({{Bloomberg}}) — Burundi’s president fired the country’s intelligence chief, Godefroid Niyombare, less than three months after he was appointed, according to a government decree.
Niyombare was ordered removed from the post on Wednesday, according to the statement on the website of the East African nation’s presidency. No reason was given for his dismissal, nor were they details on who will succeed him. Under Burundian law, his replacement must be approved by the country’s Senate.
The decision may have stemmed from opposition to President Pierre Nkurunziza seeking a third term in elections scheduled for June, Radio France Internationale reported, citing people it didn’t identify.
The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday urged Burundi to establish a “climate of freedom” for the vote. It expressed concern over reports of intimidation, harassment and arbitrary detention faced by people including journalists and human-rights activists, according to the UN’s website.
Niyombare, who previously served as an ambassador to Kenya, was named head of Burundi’s national intelligence service in late November, replacing Adolphe Nshimirimana.
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