U.S. Deeply Concerned About Rising Tensions in Burundi

U.S. Deeply Concerned About Rising Tensions in Burundi

Press Statement
Marie Harf
Acting Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 17, 2015

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The United States is deeply concerned by the rising tensions in Burundi in advance of general elections beginning in May that, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, have led over 8,000 Burundians to flee to neighboring countries to escape intimidation and violence, including by the youth militias of the ruling party.

The United States calls on all parties in Burundi to play a constructive and peaceful role in this electoral process and to refrain from any acts, including hate speech, violence, or other provocations, that could feed the climate of fear and instability. We call on the national police, the Burundian military, and all security force personnel to provide security in an impartial manner throughout the electoral process and to protect civilians from intimidation and other abuses.

The United States will continue to monitor the situation in Burundi closely and take steps, including, where appropriate, by denying U.S. visas to individuals who order, plan, or participate in acts of violence. Violence has no place in democratic elections, and perpetrators of such violence will not be welcome in the United States. We call on the Government of Burundi to hold all perpetrators accountable in accordance with due process of law.

The United States continues to support the Burundian people's peaceful pursuit of their democratic rights and freedoms and reiterates its support for peaceful, free, transparent, timely and credible elections in Burundi.

ENDS

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