Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

On 16 March 2015, the European Union reiterated the position it has taken since the beginning of the crisis in Burundi, that only through dialogue leading to consensus, in compliance with the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation of 2000 and the Burundian Constitution, could a lasting political solution be found in the interests of security and democracy for all Burundi's people.

On 18 May 2015, the Council condemned the attempted coup in Burundi and also any act of violence or abuse of the constitutional order, whoever the perpetrators may be, and expressed its deep concern at the situation in Burundi. The Council also expressed its determination to take all measures necessary against Burundian parties whose actions perpetuate violence and hamper the search for a political solution.

On 22 June 2015, the Council expressed its deep concern at both the number of victims and the number of cases of serious human rights violations reported since the beginning of the crisis, particularly those abuses attributed to the security forces and to members of the Imbonerakure. The Council also reiterated that it was determined to adopt, if necessary, targeted restrictive measures against those whose actions might have led or might lead to acts of violence and repression and serious human rights violations, and/or might hamper the search for a political solution within the framework proposed by the African Union and the East African Community.

On 23 July 2015, the European Union regretted that the Burundi government had not fully implemented the relevant decisions of the African Union and the East African Community that would have paved the way for credible and inclusive elections.

The Council has remained seriously concerned about the situation in Burundi. In the current circumstances and, in line with the Council Conclusions of June 2015, travel restrictions and an asset freeze should be imposed against persons, entities or bodies undermining democracy or obstructing the search for a political solution in Burundi, including by acts of violence, repression or inciting violence, persons, entities or bodies involved in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law, as applicable, or that constitute serious human rights abuses, in Burundi, as well as persons, entities or bodies associated with them.

Further action by the Union is needed in order to implement certain measures,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: