The European Union (EU) on Tuesday announced it has decided to lift sanctions on Burundi that were imposed in 2016, reported Reuters.
The international body had suspended financial aid to Burundi over concerns about a violent political conflict in the East African nation. The sanctions included the suspension of financial support and disbursements of funds directly to the Burundian administration or institutions.
At the time, EU member states contributed almost 50 percent of Burundi’s total annual budget. Since the suspension of aid, Burundi relied on taxes that currently contribute to almost 90 percent of the country’s annual budget.
In a communique, the EU said the decision to lift the sanctions follows a peaceful political process that started with the general elections of May 2020. The election saw the first democratic transition of power in Burundi from the late president Pierre Nkurunziza to the incumbent Evariste Ndayishimiye.
“Since the 2020 elections, the EU has acknowledged the progress made by the Burundian government with respect to human rights, good governance and the rule of law, as well as commitments taken in its roadmap (‘feuille de route’) towards further improvements in those areas,” the statement said.
That statement, however, noted that there are still challenges in the areas of human rights, good governance, reconciliation, and the rule of law that needs attention.
President Ndayishimiye praised the EU decision, saying that he salutes the wise decision of the European Union and its Member States for having taken the step of lifting with immediate effect the economic sanctions against Burundi. He said his government is ready to cooperate with all partners.
Back in November, the United States (US) government also lifted its sanctions on Burundi, citing changed circumstances and positive political developments there. The US had imposed sanctions on Burundi since 2015 when violent protests erupted against the former late president Nkurunziza. More than one thousand people lost their lives in the violence.
