BUJUMBURA February 10th (ABP) – The Council of the European Union (EU) decided on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, to repeal the decision it had taken in 2016, by which it imposed the suspension of financial assistance directly to the Burundian administration or institutions. The repeal of the decision will therefore allow the EU to resume that type of cooperation with the Burundian administration, reads a press release issued by that EU body.
That decision to lift the restrictions is the culmination of the peaceful political process that began during the general elections of May 2020, which brings a glimmer of hope to the people of Burundi. Since the 2020 elections, the EU has taken note of the progress made by the Burundian government on human rights, good governance and the rule of law, as well as the commitments made in its roadmap, with a view to further improvements in these areas, the statement said.
In addition, the statement continues, a large number of refugees have voluntarily returned to Burundi and cooperation with the international community and neighboring countries has been relaunched.
The EU notes that challenges still remain in the sectors of human rights, good governance and the rule of law, adding that further progress would be beneficial for all Burundians, in particular through the implementation of the roadmap, within the framework of the ongoing political dialogue between the EU and Burundi.
The EU stands ready, together with other international partners, to support the ongoing efforts of the Burundian authorities to stabilize and consolidate democratic institutions, promote human rights, good governance and the rule of law and implement the commitments made in the roadmap to make further improvements in these areas, the statement said.