Overview
UN Sanctions
There are no current UN sanctions on Burundi.
EU Sanctions
The EU imposed sanctions, consisting of asset freezes and travel bans, on Burundi in light of reports of human rights abuses and the absence of an independent judiciary in October 2015. The regulation (Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1755) is still in force today.
UK Sanctions
The UK revoked its Burundi sanctions regime on 16 May 2024.
The UK incorporated the EU Burundi sanctions regime into UK law via the Burundi (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Following the generally peaceful transfer of power in Burundi after the May 2020 elections, the UK amended its Burundi sanctions regime by adopting the Burundi (Sanctions) Regulations 2021 revoking the 2019 Regulations, removing the encouragement of the Government of Burundi to “participate in negotiations with its political opponents in good faith to bring about a peaceful solution to the political situation” as a purpose of the Burundi sanctions regime; and removing “obstructing the search for a peaceful solution to the political situation in Burundi” from the criteria for including people/entities on the UK Burundi Sanction List.
US Sanctions
The US imposed sanctions (EO 13712), consisting of asset freezes and travel bans, on Burundi in November 2015 in response to the civil unrest, but the US has since terminated the sanctions regime (in November 2021) in light of changed circumstances and positive political developments in Burundi, including the reforms pursued by President Ndayishimiye since he took office (EO 14054).
Current EU Sanctions
The EU imposed sanctions, consisting of asset freezes and travel bans, on Burundi in light of reports of human rights abuses and the absence of an independent judiciary in October 2015. The regulation (Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1755) is still in force today.
Current UK Sanctions
The UK revoked its Burundi sanctions regime on 16 May 2024.
The UK incorporated the EU Burundi sanctions regime into UK law via the Burundi (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Following the generally peaceful transfer of power in Burundi after the May 2020 elections, the UK amended its Burundi sanctions regime by adopting the Burundi (Sanctions) Regulations 2021 revoking the 2019 Regulations, removing the encouragement of the Government of Burundi to “participate in negotiations with its political opponents in good faith to bring about a peaceful solution to the political situation” as a purpose of the Burundi sanctions regime; and removing “obstructing the search for a peaceful solution to the political situation in Burundi” from the criteria for including people/entities on the UK Burundi Sanction List.
Current US Sanctions
The US imposed sanctions (EO 13712), consisting of asset freezes and travel bans, on Burundi in November 2015 in response to the civil unrest, but the US has since terminated the sanctions regime (in November 2021) in light of changed circumstances and positive political developments in Burundi, including the reforms pursued by President Ndayishimiye since he took office (EO 14054).
- Legislation
EO 14054 terminated the US Burundi sanctions regime in November 2021 in light of changed circumstances and positive political developments in Burundi, including the reforms pursued by President Ndayishimiye since he took office.
EO 13712 Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Burundi (terminated).
