Burundian leader Imbonerakure appointed head of the RTNB

The leader of a Burundian militia accused of atrocities has been appointed head of the public channel RTNB, sparking condemnation by human rights groups.

Human Rights Watch said Eric Nshimirimana's appointment was "a blow to all the victims of the Imbonerakure abuses, as well as to the freedom of the press in Burundi."

Imbonerakure allegedly killed, raped and robbed opposition activists.

The Burundi government has denied allegations of human rights violations.

The Imbonerakure, the ruling party's youth wing, the CNDD-FDD, have been accused of widespread abuse as a result of the violence that erupted when President Pierre Nkurunziza sought and obtained a controversial third term in office. 2015.

Nkurunziza survived a coup attempt and mbad demonstrations, while tens of thousands of Burundians fled the violence.

Lewis Mudge, director of Human Rights Watch for Central Africa, told the BBC that "these abuses, including killings, arrests, intimidation and extortion, continue today. # 39; hui ".

"Nshimirimana should be held accountable for what has happened under his watch, instead of being rewarded by the leadership of one of the country's last media," said Mudge.

The UN called the militia Imbonerakure, a description condemned as an insult by the group.

The Burundian government has denied allegations that the Imbonerakure were involved in abuses, particularly the gang rape of close family members of opposition activists.

"The Imbonerakure are not a gang of rapists," said spokesman President Willy Nyamitwe.

New elections are scheduled for next year and although the constitutional amendments pbaded in 2018 allow him to run again, but Nkurunziza said he would not run again.