EU lifts sanctions against Burundi
The East African Community (EAC) Secretary-General, Peter Mutuku Mathuki, has lauded the European Union for lifting financial sanctions it had imposed on the Republic of Burundi, saying it was a bold effort to bolster regional integration.
Mathuki hailed the for its continued support to the programmes and projects of the community at the regional and national levels, referring to the regional bloc as a pioneer in regional integration.
“This is a positive development for both Burundi and the EAC as it means that the EAC Partner States will now move together in the implementation of EU-funded programmes. It also promotes harmony and synergy among partner states, something that is indispensable for the integration process in East Africa,” he said.
“Among the areas that EAC is currently getting support from the EU are capacity building, digital transformation and innovation, trade integration, governance, peace and security, migration and forced displacement, and environmental conservation and climate change.”
The EU lifted sanctions on Burundi after political turmoil related to the 2015 presidential elections. According to the European Union, the lifting of financial sanctions was a result of a positive political system that culminated in the May 2015 general elections.
They pledged to support the stability of the Republic of Burundi through coordinated efforts with the Burundian government to ring-fence democracy, promote human rights and good governance, and uphold rule of law.
Regional bloc
Through strong cooperation, the EAC aims to increase mutual benefits among the partner states, both politically, economically and socially.
Among the most significant treaties include the East African Customs Union, the establishment of the Common Market in 2010 and the implementation of the East African Monetary Union Protocol.
The strength lies in the readiness of East African leaders and citizens to achieve a powerful and sustainable economic and political bloc in East Africa.
