Militia leader to head state broadcaster

The head of a Burundian militia accused of atrocities has been named to lead the state broadcaster, sparking condemnation by human rights groups. Human Rights Watch said the appointment of Eric Nshimirimana was 'a blow to all victims of abuse perpetrated by the Imbonerakure, as well as freedom of the press in Burundi'. The Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, was accused of widespread abuses after violence erupted when President Pierre Nkurunziza controversially sought, and won, a third term in 2015. Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director of HRW, told the BBC that 'these abuses, including killings, arrests, intimidation and extortion, continue today'. 'Nshimirimana should be held accountable for what happened under his watch, instead of rewarded with the leadership of one of the country's last remaining media outlets,' Mudge said.