European Union Suspends Aid to Burundi over Worsening Violence

Burundi’s violence has increased since President Pierre Nkurunziza’s third-term election, causing the European Union to suspend direct financial assistance to the government, according to AFP. The government will no longer receive assistance, but the EU will lend financial aid to Burundi’s population for humanitarian purposes. Hundreds of people have been killed since Nkurunziza won another term in July 2015, and over 240,000 people have fled the country.

Burundi’s violence has increased since President Pierre Nkurunziza’s third-term election, causing the European Union to suspend direct financial assistance to the government, according to AFP. The government will no longer receive assistance, but the EU will lend financial aid to Burundi’s population for humanitarian purposes. Hundreds of people have been killed since Nkurunziza won another term in July 2015, and over 240,000 people have fled the country.

Burundi’s credibility wanes further as allegations of mass graves taint the Central African government. The suspension of foreign aid will hurt Burundi’s society as a whole, but the government expected the decision. The root cause of the violence stems from not only the government, but also opposition forces, and both sides blame the other for the chaotic situation.

With that, the government is primarily responsible for the crisis, despite efforts from leaders to blame Rwanda, and the sole blame lies with Nkurunziza’s decision to disregard constitutional limitations. Nkurunziza is one of numerous leaders in Africa who has stayed beyond his official term and is facing considerable heat from political opponents and the world community.

Burundi’s officials may receive foreign aid in the future, but only if authorities agree to peace talks with the international community. However, the idea of peace seems off the table now, and some analysts and former leaders of Burundi believe the country may face a return to its bloody history. Burundi underwent civil war and genocide that left hundreds of thousands of people dead.

The country, however, is not on the brink of another potential genocide, as the violence is steeped in political conflict rather than ethnic tension. With that, the likelihood of war is possible, as opposing sides seem unwilling to reach a peace resolution, especially in light of the recent arrest of a key opposition official.

Leaders must aim for peace for the sake of not only political stability, but the economy as well. Though Burundi has limited resources, its tourist sector has vast potential, but violence prevents tourists from visiting the nation. Furthermore, authorities have been in talks with the EU regarding a trade pact known as the Cotonou Agreement, which is a pact between the European Union and underdeveloped countries to reduce widespread poverty.

Burundi is a country with a limited manufacturing base and an outdated agriculture-based economy, and the poor nation could benefit exponentially from the deal under the right conditions. Article 96 of the agreement allows Burundi to be suspended, but the government could regain favor if policymakers instill peace.