UN rights investigator urges sanctions review against Burundi

The United Nations human rights rapporteur on Burundi, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, has urged African nations to review economic sanctions against Bujumbura.

Speaking after a ten-day visit, Mr Pinheiro said the Burundian military authorities, which seized power sixteen months ago, had improved security, were working to identify the needs of the people, and had shown a readiness to work with the opposition to move the peace process forward.

Mr Pinheiro said he was not advocating the lifting of the sanctions, but a review was needed because they were taking a heavy toll on the Burundian people.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service