The European Commission on Friday announced aid worth 55 million euros (62 million U.S. dollars) to provide support to the people of Burundi in the areas of health, food security and nutrition.

One program, worth about 40 million euros, includes support on the access to healthcare, and the other one is a rural development and nutrition program. Both programs will be implemented by non-governmental organizations and international agencies.

The announcement came less than two months after the European Council concluded consultations with Burundi within the framework of the EU-Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Partnership Agreement.

The Council decided to suspend direct financial support to the Burundian authorities but at the same time underlined its continuing support to the population of Burundi.

EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica said that Burundians themselves are the principal victims of the current crisis which has aggravated a situation that was already very fragile.

This new aid package will help strengthen access to health services and improve food and nutrition.

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

His candidature, which was opposed by the opposition and civil society groups, resulted into a wave of protests, violence and even a failed coup on May 13, 2015.

Source: XINHUA