The International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) lifts its sanctions against Burundi. The decision was taken by the Permanent Council of the Francophonie (CPF) during a virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 8.
The 110th Session of the Permanent Council of the Francophonie (CPF) took the decision to lift the sanctions against Burundi in April 2016 with a view to resuming cooperation between this country and the OIF.
The OIF, under Michael Jean, had suspended its cooperation with the Republic of Burundi. The decision had been taken following “the deterioration of the security situation and the absence, despite the significant and tireless efforts of the international community, of progress in the establishment of a truly inclusive political dialogue. »
After the presidential and parliamentary elections in a secure environment, the OIF decided to lift the sanctions imposed on Burundi four years ago.
It should perhaps be added that the new government is committed to promoting the use of the French language in the sub-region. The Minister for East African Community (EAC) Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture, Ambassador Ezéchiel Nibigira, has pledged to put everything in place for the adoption of French as an official language in the EAC.
This could be beneficial for the OIF at a time when the DRC, the most populous country in the French-speaking world, is seeking to join the EAC.
The OIF and Burundi had signed a language pact in 2014 that was to come into force in 2015 for a period of four years, but was never implemented. This pact provides, among other things, for “respect and promotion, particularly at the regional level, of the provisions of the Vade mecum on the use of the French language in international organizations. »
Gérard Rugambwa
