European Union foreign ministers, last Monday, were prepared to strengthen economic sanctions on Burundi, by setting to cut humanitarian aid to the Central African country.
The severe choice follows that of the United States, Belgium and the Netherlands, and comes after the failure of talks to find a solution to the political crisis, which for ten months is destabilizing Burundi and has already led the killing of more than 440 people.
Last year, the European Council had already adopted travel restrictions and an asset freeze in respect of four senior government officials, accused of having suppressed with extreme violence, including acts which constitute serious human rights violations, clashes triggered by the decision of President Pierre Nkurunziza to stand for a third term of office, in breach of Article 96 of the Constitution.
On the EU’s decision has certainly carried out the emphatically refuse of Nkurunziza, to accept the proposal of the Council for Peace and Security of the African Union, which had determined for the deployment of 5,000 African Prevention and Protection Mission peacekeeping troops (MAPROBU) for an initial period of six months, in order for restoring stability in the country.
The European Union is the main donor of humanitarian aid to Burundi, with over euro 430 million, that was going to have from 2015 to 2020, and it is clear that cutting will deal the deathblow to the collapsing economy of the country, which depends at least to 50% on external aid.
In recent months, Brussels had repeatedly stated that it would not suspend the sending of funds to the Government of Burundi, although after the outbreak of the crisis the majority of resources were redirected to humanitarian agencies.
Economic collapse
Since the outbreak of the crisis, the prices of basic foodstuffs have increased significantly, for example, the cost of beans increased from 1,200 francs (76 cents) to 1,800 francs ($ 1.15), while that of rice has increased from 1,100 francs to 1,700 francs per kilo. However, it is likely that the prices will continue to rise owing to the down turn in food production and the difficulty in getting produce to market.
The climate of insecurity affects negatively the prospects for the economy of Burundi. Annual GDP growth for 2015 was of -7.2%, a result destined to fall further, especially after the suspension of aid by the main donor.
Economist Léonce Sinzinkayo told the Iwacu newspaper that the forecast state budget shows a decline in government spending by more than 46%, while revenue has plunged by 14.3 million dollars, with an estimated budget deficit at 891milion dollars.
The dramatic economic situation has also affected the prestigious University of Bujumbura, the only academic institution in the country with resident accomodation, which in recent days has suspended providing breakfast for its boarding students.
The response of the international community
In recent months, the United Nations had repeatedly warned Burundi on the growing ethnic dimension of the crisis, contemplating the possibility of a civil war or even worse a genocide, while admitting of not being able to prevent it.
A confidential UN report, released last December, had launched serious allegations against the Burundian security forces, responsible for gang rapes, torture and generalized violence, also motivated by ethnic tensions against the Tutsi minority. In addition, the United Nations has decided to open an investigation into nine mass graves identified around Bujumbura.
On 21 January, a UN Security Council delegation visited Burundi. The visit had been requested by the local government with the aim of demonstrating that the country is united, that the real danger is Rwanda and media narratives do not reflect reality.
In the course of the diplomatic mission, the delegates of the UN headquarters have tried to foster dialogue with the opposition and get the government to take up the deployment of AU troops, but the head of the delegation, Samantha Power, admitted the disappointing results.
Meanwhile, the tension in the country is increasingly high, so much so that, last Tuesday, the mayor of Bujumbura, Selon Freddy Mbonimpa, has banned on driving motorcycle-taxis in the city and in the suburbs, after the launch of a bomb from a motorcycle, as a result of which one person was killed and 30 wounded.
The severe choice follows that of the United States, Belgium and the Netherlands, and comes after the failure of talks to find a solution to the political crisis, which for ten months is destabilizing Burundi and has already led the killing of more than 440 people.
Last year, the European Council had already adopted travel restrictions and an asset freeze in respect of four senior government officials, accused of having suppressed with extreme violence, including acts which constitute serious human rights violations, clashes triggered by the decision of President Pierre Nkurunziza to stand for a third term of office, in breach of Article 96 of the Constitution.
