US places electoral assistance to Burundi on hold

In light of Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza’s continued efforts to violate the Arusha Agreement, seek a third term and press ahead with electoral dates absent the conditions necessary for credible elections, the United States is placing on hold technical assistance to Burundi's Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), as well as voter education activities that were to be implemented in cooperation with the CENI, according to ABC News.

The US Government will consider reinstating these measures if President Nkurunziza’s government takes concrete steps to improve the electoral environment and process.

The US supports the African Union’s call for the Burundian government, opposition groups, and other stakeholders to restart a dialogue to reach consensus on the timetable and necessary conditions for peaceful and credible elections, and to reach agreement on other matters on which the parties disagree.