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EU announces additional 10 mln euros to help displaced Burundians

Xinhua, May 31, 2016 Adjust font size:

The European Commission announced additional 10 million euros (11.16 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian aid to help the increasing number of displaced Burundians, according to a press release here on Tuesday.

The latest decision came on top of the 12.2 million euros already provided since the beginning of the year, bringing total EU humanitarian aid for the Burundi crisis in 2016 to over 22 million euros so far.

According to the press release, more than 260,000 people, over half of whom are children, are estimated to have left Burundi since April 2015, seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said that the humanitarian situation affecting Burundians remains a cause of great concern. The neighboring countries' hosting capabilities have been stretched to the limit, with the situation in Tanzania especially worrying.

"The additional EU funding will help get essential aid to those in need and improve refugees' living conditions, notably in Tanzania," said Stylianides.

Burundi is facing a political crisis that broke out since April 2015 following the announcement by Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza that he would be seeking a third term.

Nkurunziza's candidature was opposed by the opposition and civil society groups, resulting in a wave of protests, violence and even a failed coup on May 13, 2015.

The European Commission said that in total, EU humanitarian assistance released to respond to the Burundi crisis amounts to 36.2 million euros since May 2015. Enditem