Burundi violence: US to place sanctions on officials
The United States is to put sanctions on four current and former officials in Burundi in connection with the continuing violence there.
They include the minister of public security and the deputy director of police.
The four will face an asset freeze and visa restrictions.
The US says President Pierre Nkurunziza's pursuit of a third term has "precipitated" violence which has left at least 240 dead since April.
The violence increased in recent weeks, with bodies found on the streets on a daily basis.
Those facing the US sanctions are
Public Security Minister Alain Guillaume Bunyoni
The deputy director of the national police, Godefroid Bizimana
Former intelligence chief Godefroid Niymombare
Former Defence Minister Cyrille Ndayirukiye
The White House said it had received "multiple, credible, and ongoing reports of targeted killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and political repression by security forces, as well as violence and abuses by youth militia affiliated with the ruling party".
"Recent dangerous rhetoric by government officials has further contributed to the climate of fear and risks inciting further violence," the statement added.
"At the same time, some of those opposed to the Nkurunziza government have resorted to violence against the government."
Click here to read the BBC Africa report.
