The political crisis in Burundi is threatening to turn into a full-blown civil war despite the contested Presidential election being postponed twice — first to July 15 and again to July 27. A failed coup attempt in mid-May only made things worse.

Already an estimated 150,000 people are reported to have fled the country to seek refuge in Rwanda and other regional neighbors. This group included a large number of activists, journalists, politicians, and opposition leaders who have left for their own personal safety after facing intimidation, torture and arrest from Pro-government forces.

“Anyone who has a different opinion from that of President [Pierre] Nkurunziza right now has to either flee or go into hiding,” Burundian activist Ketty told Vice News.

“It is a state of solid fear. You have democracy turning into a dictatorship in 2015 under the eye of the entire international community.”