An "important step" has been taken towards lifting sanctions, announced the European Union ambassador to Burundi on Monday. But despite positive gestures observed (release of Iwacu journalists, presidential pardon for 2,600 prisoners) since General Évariste Ndayishimiye came to power, the signatory NGOs believe it is still too early. Human rights violations continue to be committed in the country. These organizations are not hiding their concerns.

Gisela Castro, FIDH delegate to the European Union in Brussels, explains the NGOs' caution. "With the change of government last year, indeed, we have had some opening, but no concrete implementation and no concrete progress made on a certain number of issues that are very important for our organizations. The European Union has resumed political dialogue with Burundi, which is a good thing, but is preparing to lift all the measures that had been taken, while no substantive change is observed. It seems that France is leading those pushing for a rapid resumption of cooperation, while others, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, are waiting for more concrete commitment from Burundi."

Claude Bochu's visit to the presidency

A mere coincidence of scheduling according to a diplomatic source in Bujumbura, the European Union ambassador to Burundi had an appointment at the Burundian presidency the same day to announce good news: the recommendation by internal working groups to lift budgetary sanctions on Burundi. A way of acknowledging progress already made according to Claude Bochu: "It is on the basis of the positive developments that have been initiated by the President of the Republic in terms of good governance, rule of law and human rights. Of course, these representatives of ministers also observed that other progress was expected and would be welcome."

It did not take long to see one of the European Union's wishes come true. A court of appeal in Bujumbura announced shortly thereafter that it had reduced the prison sentence imposed three years ago on a human rights defender from 32 to a single year of prison.

►Read also: In Burundi, one year after coming to power, what is the record for Évariste Ndayishimiye?