Burundi President Causes Stir For Proposing Stoning Of Gay Couples: "We've Known You Exist"

• Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye has ignited a storm of criticism and condemnation for advocating the public stoning of same-sex couples in the country
• The controversial statement was made during a public event in the eastern part of Burundi and was broadcast by local media
• Ndayishimiye labelled same-sex marriage as an abominable practice and declared that igay couples should be subjected to stoning

Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye has ignited a controversy after openly advocating for the public stoning of same-sex couples during a recent public event.

The president, known for his conservative views, condemned homosexuality as an "abominable practice" and suggested a draconian response to those engaging in same-sex relationships.

Ndayishimiye's inflammatory remarks have drawn widespread criticism from both domestic and international communities.

Homosexuality has been criminalized in Burundi since 2009, with penalties of up to two years in prison for consensual same-sex acts.

However, the president's call for public stoning takes the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals to a new and alarming level.

During the public event, Ndayishimiye also took the opportunity to lash out at Western countries that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

He asserted that Burundi would not succumb to such pressures even if it meant sacrificing foreign aid.

"Let them keep their help, let them keep it," he declared defiantly.

The international community has previously reacted strongly to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in East Africa, notably in Uganda, where a stringent anti-gay bill was signed into law in May.

The United States responded by threatening to remove Uganda from a key trade deal, imposing visa restrictions on officials, and the World Bank suspended new loans to the country.

Burundi, with a history of repression against LGBTQ+ individuals, witnessed a crackdown on same-sex relationships earlier this year, with 24 people charged with "homosexual practices."

President Ndayishimiye had previously urged citizens to root out homosexuality, treating gay individuals as "pariahs."

While Ndayishimiye has been praised for ending Burundi's isolation on the international stage since taking office in June 2020, concerns persist regarding the country's human rights record.

Despite initial hopes, the president has failed to bring about significant improvements, and Burundi remains one of the poorest nations on the planet.