Statement on Violence in Burundi

Statement

Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.), ranking member of the Africa subcommittee, released the statement below regarding the continuing violence in Burundi:

"I join officials in the United States, the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union in condemning the unnecessary loss of life resulting from the recent attacks in Bujumbura. The violence must end.

"I applaud the Obama Administration's sanctions aimed at activities by individuals within the government and armed groups that contribute to the turmoil there, including threats to peace and security, actions that undermine democratic institutions, and human rights abuses. In addition, I commend the United Nations' Security Council for adopting a resolution on November 12th condemning the killings, torture and other human rights violations in Burundi as well as U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's recent call for urgent talks to avert civil war in Burundi.

"I encourage particularly the African Union, the East African Community, individual countries in the region and the government of Burundi to support internationally mediated dialogue to prevent further violence in the capital and throughout the country. I will continue to follow such efforts closely as well as the decisions of the United Nations Security Council as it considers additional measures against all actors in Burundi whose actions and statements contribute to the perpetration of violence and impede the search for a political solution.

"Leaders from the East African Community, the African Union, and the United Nations must use all diplomatic measures at their disposal to bring a peaceful resolution to the crisis."

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