EU statement following the presidential election in Burundi

EU News 214/2015

23 July 2015
617/15
Brussels

Statement by High Representative Federica Mogherini on behalf of the European Union following the presidential election in Burundi

Despite the efforts of the international community, and in particular the recent initiative of President Museveni with a view to facilitating an inter-Burundian dialogue, it seems clear that insufficient progress has been made in implementing the decisions adopted by the African Union on 13 June and by the East African Community on 6 July. Only by implementing those decisions in full would it have been possible to hold credible and inclusive elections in Burundi yielding representative results. In going ahead with the elections, the government has decided otherwise.

In the absence of a meaningful national dialogue which could lead to a political consensus, Burundi will be unable to return to the path of stability, democracy and development which started with the adoption of the Arusha Agreement. The EU will therefore launch the preparatory work for specific consultations as provided for in Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement in order to ensure that the Burundian government makes the commitments necessary to remedy the crisis. Respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law is an essential element of the cooperative relationship between the EU and Burundi, which is governed by the Cotonou Agreement.

The EU urges the government and the opposition parties to resume the dialogue in order to achieve a consensual outcome which will lead to the re-establishment of an inclusive and democratic political system. The EU fully supports the efforts being made to that end by the East African Community, the African Union and the United Nations.

Source and additional information:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/07/23-eeas-mogherini-burundi/

• Tweet