Washington, DC - The United States is deeply alarmed by the attacks that occurred overnight and continue in Bujumbura. We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms, and we call on all sides to refrain immediately from violence.

The East African Community should immediately convene high-level political dialogue between the government and opposition to defuse the situation. Recent indications from the region suggest no serious remaining barriers to these talks, so there should be no further delay in commencing them.

The United States reiterates its readiness to pursue additional sanctions against individuals responsible for -- or complicit in -- actions or policies that threaten Burundi’s peace, security, or stability. Assistant Secretary Linda Thomas-Greenfield remains actively engaged and is reaching out to regional leaders, as is Special Envoy Tom Perriello, who is in the region now with his international envoy counterparts.