On November 23, 2015, President Obama issued an Executive Order imposing, for the first time, sanctions with respect to Burundi.
The Executive Order states that political repression and the killing of and violence against citizens in Burundi threatens that country's peace, security, and stability, and constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the US. President Obama has therefore declared a national emergency to deal with the threat.
The Executive Order blocks the property and interests in property of the Burundi Minister of Public Security, the Deputy Director-General of the Burundi National Police, the Major General and Former Chief of Burundi Intelligence Service, and the Former Burundi Minister of Defense.
The Executive Order also authorizes blocking the property and interests in property of other persons determined to threaten the peace and undermine the democracy of Burundi, commit human rights abuses, target women, children, or civilians through acts of violence, prohibit freedom of expression or assembly, recruit children by armed forces groups, obstruct humanitarian assistance, or attack United Nationals missions and operations, as well as those who materially assist or support such persons.
A related release from the White House states:
"The Executive Office will consider how and whether to impose any additional sanctions on those who engage in activities to worsen the circumstances in Burundi."
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