GITEGA February 14th (ABP) – The Burundi Head of State, Mr. Évariste Ndayishimiye, received in audience, on February 11, 2022, in his palace in Gitega (center of the country), the ambassadors of the European Union (EU) came to officially hand over to him the document containing the decision to lift the economic sanctions imposed on Burundi since 2016, by the countries of the aforementioned organization. That decision was decided by the EU Cabinet meeting on February 8, 2022.
Family photo of the Head of State with the ambassadors of the E.U.
In his communication, the head of the EU delegation, Mr. Claude Bochu, said that this decision is important in the process of normalizing EU-Burundi relations. He explained that this decision follows the reforms launched by President Évariste Ndayishimiye since the beginning of his mandate, in 2022, in economic matters, the fight against corruption, governance and Burundi’s contribution to peace on the continent. and stability of the sub-region.
The lifting of Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement is likely to encourage other positive developments, Mr. Bochu further indicated, citing particularly in terms of the business climate, cultural and economic exchanges, transfer of technology and investment. Finally, he said that the EU and its Member States are determined to continue their commitment to human rights, the consolidation of a democratic society and sustainable development for the benefit of all Burundians.
Taking the floor, in turn, President Ndayishimiye thanked the ambassadors, his guests for the efforts they have made to resolutely warm the normalization of relations between the EU and Burundi as well as the convergence of views and actions. on matters of common interest. He hoped that this memorable day would be “a moment of reconciliation, a moment of no longer considering a past that has passed, a moment of gazing towards a better and common future that the EU and Burundi share as a community. human”. President Ndayishimiye reiterated his government’s strong will to work with EU countries to cultivate together the common garden of friendship, understanding, mutual understanding and mutual support.