EU condemns Rwandan opposition figure's murder

(BRUSSELS) - The European Union condemned on Friday the murder of a senior opposition official in Rwanda and urged authorities to clarify the circumstances of the "horrific" killing.
"The European Union firmly condemns the brutal murder of M. Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, Vice President of the Rwandan Democratic Green Party on 13 July," the office of EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement.
"The European Union urges the Rwandese Authorities to clarify the exact circumstances of this horrific killing and bring the perpetrators rapidly to justice," the statement said.
Three Rwandan opposition parties on Thursday called for an independent international investigation into the murder of Rwisereka and independent journalist Jean Leonard Rugambage.
Rwisereka's nearly decapitated body was found dumped by a river on Wednesday. Rugambage, who was critical of Kagame's government, was shot dead near his home on June 24.
"The European Union also wishes to express its deep concern that three assassinations of public figures have now taken place in Rwanda within the last month," the EU statement said.
"These assassinations have contributed to the deterioration of the political climate and to the emergence of a feeling of fear among the Rwandan citizens.
"The European Union urges the Rwandese authorities to ensure that the investigations and judicial proceedings regarding these murders are carried out with full transparency and as rapidly as possible."