Resolution on the situation in Burundi
On 22 June 2015, the Council adopted conclusions on Burundi.
Faced with the critical situation in Burundi, the EU welcomed the fact that the region has mobilised to find a solution. The decisions on the situation in Burundi adopted at the African Union (AU) summit of 13 June, as well as the conclusions of the East African Community (EAC) summit of 31 May 2015, establish an indispensable framework for enabling Burundi to overcome the crisis.
Recalling the Council conclusions of 16 March and 18 May 2015, the EU shared the view expressed by the AU, the EAC and the United Nations (UN) that only through dialogue and consensus, can a lasting political solution be found in the interests of security and democracy for all Burundi's people. It called on all Burundian stakeholders to resume dialogue on all areas of disagreement between the parties, and undertakes to support them in this.
Conditions for a smooth running election process: the EU called for full compliance with the conditions identified by the AU and the EAC, which are vital for the credibility and smooth running of the electoral process. It called for greater coordination, supports the mediation efforts made by the AU, the EAC and the UN, and is ready to support the implementation of the specific measures recently announced by the AU. Both the EAC and the AU have clearly declared that conditions conducive to the holding of elections are not currently in place. There is a strong likelihood that it will not be possible to put such conditions in place within the time frames provided for in the Burundian Constitution. The EU urged the Burundian Government to respond to the decisions taken by the Peace and Security Council of the AU by taking specific steps as soon as possible.
Towards restrictive measures: the EU expressed its deep concern at the numbers of victims and cases of serious human rights violations reported since the beginning of the crisis, particularly those abuses attributed to the security forces and to members of the Imbonerakure. It asked that leaders bring to a halt to the actions that are at the root of this violence. It is determined to adopt, if necessary, targeted restrictive measures against those whose actions might have led or might lead to acts of violence and repression and serious human rights violations, and/or might hamper the search for a political solution within the framework proposed by the AU and the EAC. As a preventive measure, the Council requests that the High Representative initiate preparatory work to that end.
Depending on the reaction of the Burundian Government to the decisions taken by the Peace and Security Council of the AU and on future developments, the EU is prepared to institute those procedures, including in the area of cooperation, in order to ensure that Burundi respects those commitments.
Refugees: lastly, the EU expressed its deep concern about the continued outflow of refugees to neighbouring countries. It reiterated its support for the humanitarian organisations present in the region and congratulated the authorities of the host countries for their open and welcoming attitude towards those seeking refuge beyond their border.