EU and Burundi agree to resume dialogue

Burundi and the European Union have agreed to relaunch a political dialogue with hopes of normalising diplomatic ties after a five-year suspension, the presidency has announced.

President Evariste Ndayishimiye on Monday hosted the EU representative in Burundi together with ambassadors of European countries.

The two sides “agreed to break free from the past and look to the future by rebuilding their relationship”, according to the president’s office.

Burundi had accused the EU of “sponsoring instability” in the country following a failed coup in May 2015. The EU subsequently cut off budgetary support to the government citing concerns of human rights violations.

President Pierre Nkurunziza was in power at the time. He died earlier this year and was replaced by President Ndayishimiye.

EU Ambassador to Bujumbura Claude Bochu has tweeted photos of the meeting, which he said was held in a “relaxed and constructive climate”.