MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Burundi, in particular the case of Pierre Claver Mbonimpa
16.9.2014 - (2014/2833(RSP))
pursuant to Rule 135 of the Rules of Procedure
Josef Weidenholzer, Norbert Neuser, Maria Arena, Kashetu Kyenge, Linda McAvan, Elena Valenciano Martínez-Orozco, Kati Piri, Liisa Jaakonsaari, Andi Cristea, Marc Tarabella, Hugues Bayet, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Goffredo Maria Bettini on behalf of the S&D Group
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B8-0086/2014
B8‑0089/2014
European Parliament resolution on Burundi, in particular the case of Pierre Claver Mbonimpa
The European Parliament,
- having regard to its previous resolutions on Burundi,
- having regard to the Cotonou agreement
- having regard to the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement
- having regard to the statement of 10 September 2014 by the European Union delegation to Burundi
- having regard to the UN Security Council Statement of 10 April 2014 on the situation in Burundi
- having regard to the Universal declaration on Human Rights
- having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
- having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
- having regard to rule 110 of its rules of procedure
A. Whereas Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, a leading human rights defender was arrested on 15 May 2014 and later charged with inciting public disobedience and threatening national security.
B. Whereas the charges against him relate to comments he made on Radio Publique Africaine (RPA) on 6 May 2014 that the youth wing of the ruling party CNDD-FDD is being armed and sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for military training.
C. Whereas the arrest of Pierre Mbonimpa is representative of the mounting risks facing human rights defenders, the harassment of activists and journalists and arbitrary arrest of opposition party members which according to human rights groups have largely been carried out by the youth wing of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party.
D. Whereas following a peaceful opposition party event on 8 March 2014, 70 people were arrested with 48 later being handed prison sentences including life imprisonment.
E. Whereas in recent weeks the government in Burundi has prohibited peaceful protests and demonstrations in support of Mbonimpa and warned radio stations not to broadcast information supporting Mbonimpa’s claims. Whereas the clampdown on free expression and peaceful assembly has serious implications for human rights ahead of next year’s elections
F. Whereas the EU has recently allocated Burundi EUR 432 million from the European Development Fund 2014-2020, to assist with improving governance and civil society amongst other things.
G. Whereas Burundi is one of the five poorest countries in the world with one of the lowest GDP per capita; whereas many Burundians have become increasingly frustrated at the increasing cost of food, water and fuel, high levels of corruption and the unaccountability of political leaders.
1. Condemns the detention of human rights defender Pierre Claver Mbonimpa and calls for his immediate unconditional release. Expresses concern about the deteriorating state of his health and demands that he is given urgent medical assistance.
2. Expresses particular concern about the MSD opposition members being detained following events on 8 March; calls on the Burundian authorities to annul the judgment and re-try those against whom there may be credible accusations in line with international standards, including the right to a defence and proportionality.
3. Recalls that Burundi is bound by the human rights clause of the Cotonou Agreement and by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and therefore has an obligation to respect universal human rights, including freedom of expression. Calls on the government of Burundi to allow genuine and open political debate ahead of elections in 2015 without fear of intimidation by not interfering in the internal management of the opposition parties; putting no restrictions to campaigning for all parties -especially in rural areas-; and by not abusing the judiciary to exclude political competitors.
4. Urges the Burundian government to take measures to control the CNDD-FDD youth league, preventing them from intimidating and attacking perceived opponents and ensure that those responsible for abuses are brought to justice. Calls for an independent international investigation into the claims that the CNDD-FDD arms and trains its youth wing. Urges leaders of opposition parties to prevent violence against their opponents.
5. Expresses deep concern about the absence of justice for scores of political killings between 2010 and 2012, following the 2010 elections; calls on the Burundian authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of these killings are brought to justice, in fair trials, and make every effort to prevent political violence before the 2015 elections.
6. Encourages all sides to keep to their commitments contained in the 2000 Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, which was instrumental to ending 12 years of civil conflict in 2005; Warns against amending the Burundian constitution in such a way that will strip it of the fundamental power sharing provisions stipulated in the Arusha agreements.
7. Calls on the EU High Representative and EU Member States, to ensure a clear and principled EU policy vis-à-vis Burundi that addresses the on-going serious human rights violations, in line with the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights
8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Member States, the Government of Burundi, the African Union, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Co-Presidents of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and the Pan-African Parliament