Belgium Suspends Elections Funding in Burundi Amid Violence

Belgium has suspended its provision of financial aid for the organization of presidential election in Burundi in light of violent clashes between police and anti-government protesters, Minister of Development Cooperation Alexander De Croo said Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Burundi, which is preparing to hold presidential election on June 26, has been mired in violent protests since late April over President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term in office.

Belgium had pledged a total of almost $4.5 million to help finance the staging of presidential elections in Burundi and has already paid 50 percent of the sum.

Belgium also plans to suspend its participation in a police cooperation program with Burundi, something on which Brussels and Amsterdam pledged to spend another $5.6 million.