The United States (US) government on Thursday removed sanctions imposed on Burundi six years ago, owing to a successful election, reduction in violence, and reforms undertaken by President Evariste Ndayishimiye, reported France 24.
The sanctions were placed in November and December 2015 when violent protests erupted against then Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza who had launched a bid for a third consecutive term in office.
More than one thousand people died and many others were injured during the 2015 political crisis. At that time, the Burundian security forces and top government officials were accused of gross human rights violations.
The US government issued an Executive Order in November 2015 declaring Burundi a national emergency. This led to the freezing of properties owned by some government officials who are said to have played a role in the rights violations.
The sanctions targeted eight military and security officials in the central African country, including then-Public Security Minister Alain Guillaume Bunyoni.
Nkurunziza held on power until June 2020, when he died just weeks after the election of his designated successor, Evariste Ndayishimiye.
Burundi’s situation “has been significantly altered by events of the past year, including the transfer of power following elections in 2020, significantly decreased violence, and President Ndayishimiye’s pursuit of reforms across multiple sectors,” US President Joe Biden’s order said.
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the action taken by the government underscores that Washington’s sanctions are responsive to changes in circumstance and may be lifted following positive steps.
On Thursday during the opening of the National Development Forum in Bujumbura, President Ndayishimiye said relation with the US is improving.
Currently, the Burundi government is in advanced talks with the European Union over lifting sanctions. The development comes a few months after Burundi’s incumbent president took over the office in June last year.
President Ndayishimiye is also taking crucial steps to improve relations with Rwanda and other neighboring countries as well as the rest of the international community.
