The United States, on Friday said that it is deeply troubled by President Ndayishimiye’s remarks targeting certain vulnerable and marginalized Burundians.
President Ndayishimiye recently condemned homosexuals saying that they should be stoned. “One who does that does not commit a sin because those people bring a curse to the country”. He added that “the aid provided by those who support that curse” is not what his country needs.
His comments escalated a crackdown on sexual minorities in a nation where LGBT people already face social ostracism and jail terms of up to two years if convicted of same-sex offences.
The US noted, “We call on all of Burundi’s leaders to respect the inherent dignity and inalienable rights, including equal access to justice, of every member of Burundian society. Such efforts are an essential precursor to spurring the economic growth necessary to improve conditions for all Burundians.
In June last year, the US imposed visa restrictions on Ugandan officials after the African nation passed an anti-LGBTQ law that was condemned.
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken went on to make an announcement on Dec. 04 in the latest episode of the diplomatic strangulation Washington is meting out on Ugandan officials.
