Obama slaps sanctions on crisis-torn Burundi's number two

Washington (AFP) - President Barack Obama slapped sanctions on Burundi's Public Security Minister Alain Guillaume Bunyoni -- the regime's number two -- and three others Monday, linking them to the country's descent into violence.

The US action imposes visa restrictions on the four and blocks their US assets, a White House statement said, adding that it was considering similar action against other individuals.

"We call upon all parties in Burundi to reject violence, and we will continue to investigate and impose consequences against leaders from the government or opposition who resort to violence and obstruct a political resolution to this crisis," National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said.

Burundi has fallen into deepening political violence since President Pierre Nkurunziza launched a bid for a third consecutive term in office.

The White House said 200,000 Burundians have taken refuge in neighboring countries because of the violence and a spiralling crisis that has taken the country to the brink.

"We have received multiple, credible, and ongoing reports of targeted killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and political repression by security forces, as well as violence and abuses by youth militia affiliated with the ruling party," it said.

Nkurunziza's opponents also have resorted to violence, it said, including murders, grenade attacks, and a coup attempt earlier this year.

Besides Bunyoni, those sanctioned included the deputy director of the national police Godefroid Bizimana, former intelligence chief Godefroid Niymombare, and former defense minister Cyrille Ndayirukiye.

The national police under Bunyoni and Bizimana have conducted operations to silence and intimidate government opponents, breaking up peaceful protests with "disproportionate use of force and acts of violent repression," the White House said.

Niyombare and Ndayiruke were cited for their role in the May coup attempt, which the White House said had contributed to the deterioration of the country's stability.

The European Union and the African Union have also decided to impose sanctions on Burundians deemed to have undermined peace.

"Burundi is on the precipice, but there is a clear path available to Burundi's leaders to avoid further violence and reach a political solution to the crisis," Price said.

"Now is the moment for all sides in Burundi to demonstrate the strength and leadership necessary to put aside violence and engage in an internationally-mediated dialogue outside Burundi."