Written By John Mutiso 📝
The European Union (EU) announced on Tuesday that it would lift sanctions on Burundi that were imposed in 2016.
“Today’s decision to lift restrictions is a result of the peaceful political process that started with the general elections of May 2020 and which has opened a new window of hope for the population of Burundi,” the EU said in a statement.
The EU imposed sanctions in 2016 at the height of a political crisis following the late President Pierre Nkurunziza’s extension of his tenure which triggered protests.
In 2020, Burundi witnessed its first democratic transition of power from the late president Pierre Nkurunziza to the incumbent Evariste Ndayishimiye.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye welcomed the decision and said the country was ready to cooperate with all partners.
The decision, which opens the way for the bloc to restart financing to Burundi’s state budget, follows a similar decision by the United States last year.
The return of European aid would initially allow the rehabilitation of the port of Bujumbura, in partnership with the African Development Bank.
Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
