Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) released the following statement after the Obama administration announced a new executive order imposing sanctions aimed at those responsible for the worsening situation in Burundi:

“Burundi is spiraling into chaos.  Hundreds have been slaughtered and more than 200,000 have been forced from their homes in recent months.  Yesterday, more bodies were found piled on the streets.
 
“The causes and consequences of the 1994 Rwanda genocide should serve as a constant warning, including in neighboring Burundi.  Political leaders – in both the Burundi government and opposition – must be held accountable for inciting violence.  I’m glad the Obama administration is taking this important step, but make no mistake: more must be done, now.  If the conflict in Burundi is allowed to continue, I fear that mass atrocities could be just around the corner.”

NOTE:  In May, Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel sent a letter to the Broadcasting Board of Governors to express their concern over proposed cuts to the VOA Central African service.  The letter can be found HERE.

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