Burundi officials face US sanctions

Following the continuing violence in Bujumbura, Burundi, the United States says it will sanction four of the country’s current and former officials.

The violence in Burundi has increased in recent weeks, with bodies found on the streets of Bujumbura on a daily basis.

President Pierre Nkurunziza’s pursuit of a third term has “precipitated” violence which has left at least 240 dead since April, the US says.

Those who’ll face sanctions include Public Security Minister Alain Guillaume Bunyoni,
The deputy director of the national police, Godefroid Bizimana, former intelligence chief, Godefroid Niymombare and former Defence Minister Cyrille Ndayirukiye.

The four will face an asset freeze and visa restrictions.

Read also: Belgium advises nationals to leave Burundi

The White House said it had received “multiple, credible, and ongoing reports of targeted killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and political repression by security forces, as well as violence and abuses by youth militia affiliated with the ruling party”.

“Recent dangerous rhetoric by government officials has further contributed to the climate of fear and risks inciting further violence,” the statement added.

“At the same time, some of those opposed to the Nkurunziza government have resorted to violence against the government.”

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now