U.S. Sanctions Burundi Nationals for 'Fueling Violence'

The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday sanctioned four Burundi nationals for allegedly "fueling violence" in the strife-torn African country.

Burundi descended into bloodshed in April, when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his intention to run for a controversial third term, which he went on to win in July.

More than 300 people have died in the violence and 20,000 have fled their homes across borders to neighboring countries.

The U.S. sanctions come after some 100 people were killed during and after coordinated assaults on three military installations in Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, on December 11.

Targeted in the sanctions are Gervais Ndirakobuca, the chief of staff for Burundi's Ministry of Public Security; ex-general Leonard Ngendakumana, who participated in an attempted military coup in May; Joseph Mathias Niyonzima, who supported elements of the pro-government militia accused of abuses; and Alexis Sinduhije, a major Burundian opposition military leader.

"The people of Burundi have endured the horrific consequences of this crisis," said John Smith, a senior Treasury Department official.

"Today's action underscores Treasury's resolve to target those responsible for fueling violence, instability, and human rights abuses in Burundi."

The U.S. sanctions mean that "all property and interests in property of these individuals" under U.S. jurisdiction or controlled by Americans "are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions" with them.

In late November, President Barack Obama slapped sanctions on Burundi's Public Security Minister Alain Guillaume Bunyoni -- the regime's number two -- and three others, linking them to the country's descent into violence.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned Wednesday that Burundi "is on the brink of a civil war that risks engulfing the entire region."