EU imposes sanctions against four Burundi figures charged with undermining democracy

The EU imposed sanctions Thursday against four Burundi figures charged with undermining democracy and blocking efforts to resolve the political crisis in the impoverished central African country.

"The Council adopted travel restrictions and an asset freeze in respect of four persons whose activities are undermining democracy or obstructing efforts to achieve a political solution to the current crisis in Burundi," a statement said.

"Progress is not being made in the search for a political solution to the crisis in Burundi and there is a risk of an escalation of violence. This is why the Council has considered it appropriate to impose restrictive measures on individuals," it said.

The European Council, the political arm of the 28-nation European Union, did not identify the four but their names will be listed in the EU's Official Journal on Friday.

EU sources told AFP earlier this week that Brussels was preparing sanctions against four associates of Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza after he won a controversial third five-year term in July in polls boycotted by the opposition as unconstitutional for breaking a two-term limit.

His re-election sparked an attempted coup by rebel generals and months of civil unrest.

The EU warned at the time it would review crucial trade and development links with Burundi, with sanctions to follow against those found responsible for "acts of violence and repression."

A 1993-2006 civil war claimed at least 300,000 lives in Burundi and sporadic violence has continued since.

The UN warned this week the country risked sliding back into conflict after a dramatic rise in killings, arrests and detentions.