Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Burudi: EU increases aid ahead of elections

Burundi's electoral commission has recommended pushing back national elections, after unrest sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to seek a third term.

The presidential election originally was set for June 26, but there has been no campaigning in the wake of violent protests and a failed coup attempt last month in the capital, Bujumbura.

The European Union released nearly four-million dollars Monday to help fund humanitarian operations for Burundi refugees.

An EU commissioner said, “The wave of refugees fleeing Burundi has been ongoing and increasing in intensity. He added that the additional funding is a “strong signal that the European Union stands by the people of Burundi and the Great lakes region."

Alexandre Polack is the European Commission spokesman for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management. From Brussels, he spoke to VOA’s Joe De Capua about Burundi’s humanitarian needs. Click the link below to hear the interview.

VOA

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