European Union lifts financial sanctions on Burundi

The European Union (EU) has said it is lifting its financial sanctions against Burundi

It cited a peaceful political environment and progress by the Burundian government in several areas, including human rights and the voluntary return of refugees into the country.

It however noted that persistent challenges remained “in the areas of human rights, good governance, reconciliation and the rule of law”.

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The lifting of sanctions by the EU follows a similar decision by the US last year.

The sanctions were imposed in 2016 after then-President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to pursue a third term in office, which triggered deadly street protests.

Nkurunziza died in 2020 weeks after the election of Évariste Ndayishimiye, his preferred successor.

President Ndayishimiye welcomed the EU’s decision and said Burundi was ready to co-operate with all partners.

DR Congo uncovers bid to ‘destabilise government’

BBC News, Kinshasa

Investigators in the Democratic Republic of Congo have “serious evidence” pointing to actions against national security, the presidential spokesman has said.

In a statement read on state television on Tuesday night, Kasongo Mwema said such an attempt to “destabilise democratic institutions” would not be tolerated.

It follows the arrest on Saturday of François Beya, the special security adviser to President Félix Tshisekedi.

It happened as the president was attending an African Union (AU) summit in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The arrest triggered protests, with members of the president’s party taking to the streets.

On Tuesday, the president’s spokesman said investigations were ongoing and the situation was under control.

Silence from the government and the presidency since Saturday has fuelled speculation about instability in the country.

Neither Mr Beya nor his lawyers have made any public statement in reaction to the arrest.

Source: BBC