Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye sparked outrage and condemnation after advocating for the stoning of homosexuals in his country during a press conference.
Firm in his stance against granting rights to homosexuals, President Ndayishimiye, a devout Catholic, suggested that foreign aid should be withheld if linked to enforcing LGBT rights.
Homosexuality remains illegal in Burundi, punishable by a prison sentence of up to two years. The President, drawing from religious references, declared that homosexuality was no longer an issue within Burundi and quoted the Bible to emphasize God’s opposition to same-sex relationships.
President Ndayishimiye’s sentiments revealed a stark contrast to other views within Africa. Ghanaian Catholic Cardinal Peter Turkson, in a previous BBC interview, advocated for a better understanding of homosexuality, opposing its criminalization. However, such progressive views often conflict with conservative Christian beliefs held across the continent, where more than 30 countries have outlawed homosexual acts.
The President’s controversial remarks reiterated his position that those endorsing homosexuality should remain in Western countries, emphasizing a clash between accepting Western values and preserving Burundi’s cultural beliefs.
Burundi’s stringent stance on homosexuality has previously led to legal action. In August, seven individuals received jail sentences ranging from one to two years for alleged engagement in homosexual activities, despite denying the charges.
The situation in Burundi reflects a broader regional issue, with many African nations criminalizing homosexual sex. Uganda, for instance, recently intensified its laws, including the possibility of the death penalty for certain cases labeled as “aggravated homosexuality.”
The severity of these measures prompted international reactions, with the World Bank suspending loans to Uganda and the US withdrawing from a trade agreement while imposing visa restrictions on officials. Legal challenges against such laws are ongoing in Uganda.
Moreover, Ghanaian lawmakers are considering legislation that would criminalize identifying as LGBT, proposing prison sentences up to three years, while advocating for up to a decade in jail for those supporting LGBT rights.
The Burundi President’s statements have heightened concerns over human rights violations and have once again drawn attention to the complex and contentious issue of LGBT rights in Africa.