Belgium suspends aid to a chaotic Burundi

BRUSSELS: Belgium said yesterday it had suspended some aid to Burundi, ratcheting up international pressure on the donor-reliant African nation over protests against the president’s quest for a third term.

Belgium, the first donor to take such action, said it was halting aid earmarked to support elections and the police, because the conditions were no longer right for the poll. Other donors could follow suit, a diplomat said.

At least 19 people have been killed in more than two weeks of protests against Pierre Nkurunziza’s election bid, which critics say violates a two-term limit set out in the constitution and a peace deal that ended a civil war in 2005.

About 300 people protested yesterday in Musaga, a district of the capital that has seen several protests.

“Let us pass into Bujumbura city to tell Nkurunziza that he is not allowed to run for a third term,” protesters shouted, trying to move to the city centre. They were blocked by police.

A constitutional court has ruled the president can run again because his first term – when he was picked by parliament, not elected by popular vote – does not count. Protesters say the court is biased.

Former colonial ruler Belgium had pledged 4 million (R53m) to help organise elections – a May 26 parliamentary poll and a presidential vote on June 26. Half the cash has already been disbursed.

In the present circumstances, the payment of the remaining 2m could only be put on hold, the Ministry of Development Co-operation said. – Reuters