Council conclusions on Burundi

The growing insecurity and the continuous increase in violence in Burundi demand the attention of the international community. The European Union (EU) strongly condemns all human rights violations, human rights abuses and acts of violence in Burundi and expresses its solidarity with all the victims of violence and with the populations forced to move in a climate of insecurity and uncertainty. It regrets the persistent political deadlock in the country, marked by the refusal of Burundian parties to engage in a real dialogue and by violence. Any inflammatory rhetoric and incitement of hatred could worsen an already precarious situation and is wholly unacceptable. These developments may have tragic consequences for Burundi and for the entire region. The EU calls on all parties, both government and opposition, to show the utmost restraint in language and to avoid triggering a cycle of violence at all costs. It recalls that it is primarily the responsibility of the Burundian government to protect its population.

Recalling the Council conclusions of 22 June 2015, the EU reiterates the view expressed by the East African Community (EAC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) that only through dialogue and building consensus, in accordance with the Arusha Agreement and the Burundian Constitution, can a lasting political solution be found in the interests of all Burundi's people.

In this spirit, the EU has invited the Burundian authorities to participate in the consultations provided for in Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement to seek a solution acceptable to the parties in order to address the failure to comply with the essential elements of the Agreement, namely human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. The consultations, which the EU proposes in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation, also aim to support the efforts to prevent the damaging consequences of the ongoing violence, ensure lasting peace in Burundi, and support the decisions taken by the EAC and the AU. The EU would like the consultations to take place as soon as possible, to allow swift agreement on initial de-escalation measures which could pave the way for substantial progress towards ending the crisis.

The security and freedom of people, human rights defenders, journalists and the media and the re-establishment of the rule of law are essential to ensure the success of inclusive, meaningful and calm inter-Burundian dialogue. In this context, the EU reserves the right to adopt new restrictive measures targeted against those whose actions or words may have led or may lead to acts of violence and repression and serious human rights violations, and/or may hamper the search for a political solution within the framework proposed by the EAC and the AU. The EU reiterates that there can be no impunity for those responsible for violations or serious abuses of human rights, and that they must be held individually responsible and brought to account in a court of law. In this context, the EU welcomes the statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, on 6 November 2015.

In welcoming and supporting the communiqué of the AU's Peace and Security Council of 17 October, the EU reiterates its support for the EAC's mediation efforts led by Uganda and the AU, and expects the Government of Burundi to take all necessary steps to initiate without delay an inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders who reject violence. The dialogue should be held in accordance with the criteria desired by the international community and outside Burundi. The EU will actively support all diplomatic efforts conducive to finding a consensual solution to end the crisis and stands ready to take additional initiatives, depending on how the situation develops.

The EU welcomes and supports the unanimously adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2248 (2015), and commends the call for the Government of Burundi to respect, protect and guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms, in accordance with international obligations, and to uphold the rule of law. In this context, the EU stresses the importance of cooperation with the AU's human rights observers. It also supports the call for the Government of Burundi to cooperate with the EAC's mediation, endorsed by the AU, so that a real and inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue can be convened immediately, as well as the UN's intention to consider additional measures against all Burundian stakeholders whose actions and statements contribute to the perpetuation of violence and hamper the search for a peaceful solution. The EU welcomes the UN's desire for joint contingency planning with the AU so that the international community can react to any further deterioration of the situation. Finally, it welcomes the decision of the Secretary-General to appoint a special adviser on the prevention of conflicts, including in Burundi, with responsibility for working together with all relevant stakeholders to support an inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

The EU, which is one of Burundi's main development partners, confirms its willingness to continue its action in support of the Burundian people.