Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC
May 13, 2015
The United States is deeply concerned by today’s developments in Burundi. We call on all parties to immediately end the violence, to exercise restraint, and above all to prioritize peace in Burundi. We support East African Community leaders’ call today for peaceful, democratic elections in line with Burundi’s electoral laws and the spirit of the Arusha Agreement.
We urge all stakeholders to take the steps necessary to create the conditions required for peaceful, timely, credible and transparent elections, and to respect the rule of law, including those provisions of Burundian law regarding civilian rule.
The Arusha Agreement was about ending years of violence and civil war in Burundi. It is essential for all Burundians – both military and civilian – to uphold the spirit of this agreement and reject violence. The United States will continue to monitor the situation in Burundi closely, and will, as appropriate, refuse U.S. visas to those who participate in, plan, or order violence against the civilian population.
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