EU urges successful completion of peace process

The EU has welcomed the ongoing Arusha peace process, while expressing concern over continued violence in Burundi. In a statement, the EU presidency urged both the rebels and security forces to “cease their acts of violence immediately”. It noted that EU member states and the European Commission were providing financial support to the peace process and said they would “consider favourably” further financial input. The EU also expressed willingness to assist in Burundi’s socio-economic rehabilitation and reconstruction as long as the peace process was successfully concluded.