Burundi’s President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, strongly condemned same-sex relationships on Friday, advocating for public stoning of same-sex couples.
He criticized Western nations for linking aid to the acceptance of gay rights, stating that Burundi should reject such pressure.
Homosexuality has been illegal in Burundi since 2009, with prison sentences of up to two years for consensual same-sex acts. Ndayishimiye, a Catholic, referred to same-sex marriage as an “abominable practice” and suggested stoning individuals in a stadium without considering it a sin.
This stance aligns with the conservative sentiments prevalent in many East African countries, reflecting a broader pattern of repression against the LGBTQ+ community in the region.
Despite international praise for easing Burundi’s isolation, Ndayishimiye faces criticism for a lack of improvement in human rights and persistent poverty in the country.
