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”.

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 decisionand said the country was ready to co-operate with all partners.

Source: bbc