Brussels, 24/07/2015 (Agence Europe) - The decision of the president of Burundi to turn a deaf ear to calls from the international community to postpone elections in Burundi has prompted the European Union to prepare for consultations with the authorities of the country, the EU announced on Thursday 23 July.
The day before, Pierre Nkurunziza declared himself the winner of the presidential elections, for a highly controversial third consecutive term in office (see EUROPE 11346).
Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and the group of ACP states (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific) provides for consultations in the event of an infringement of one or more major elements of the agreement (respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law) by either of the parties. These consultations may lead to the partial or total suspension of cooperation between the EU and Burundi, if the authorities of the country fail to remedy the situation criticised by the EU.
“Despite the efforts of the international community and, in particular, the recent initiative of President Museveni to facilitate inter-Burundian dialogue, it seems clear that progress in the implementation of the decisions of the African Union of 13 June and of the East African Community of 6 July have been insufficient. Only the full implementation of these decisions would have allowed credible and inclusive elections to take place in Burundi, leading to a representative result. By holding elections, the government decided otherwise”, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated on Thursday (our translation).
The EU urges the government and the opposition parties to resume dialogue to seek a consensual outcome with a view to re-establishing an inclusive and democratic political system.
“In the absence of substantial national dialogue which could lead to political consensus, Burundi will not be able to return to stability, democracy and development, which started with the adoption of the Agreement of Arusha. The EU will now start work to prepare for specific consultations, as provided for by Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement”, the Mogherini stated in an official statement published in French.
The EU expresses its grave concern for the socio-economic and security impact of the crisis in the country and in the region. It also reserves the right to adopt targeted sanctions against those responsible for violence and repression, serious violations of human rights and those who attempt to block the work to seek a political solution. (Aminata Niang)