Burundi: Nkurunziza aides face EU sanctions 
Brussels, 4 Oct - (ANA) -  - The EU has imposed an asset freeze and travel ban on three Burundi officials accused of ordering excessive force against peaceful protestors. The officials - overseeing intelligence and security bodies - are close to President Pierre Nkurunziza. The EU has also imposed sanctions on a former general who took part in a failed coup in May. Burundi's foreign minister has defended the use of force, saying the demonstrations were violent. President Nkurunziza's decision to pursue a third term in office triggered street protests and the coup attempt. Opponents of the president say the decision was unconstitutional. Belgium - Burundi's former colonial power - has meanwhile said it will suspend aid for some development projects in the country because of the recent political instability.

Burundi: Key facts
The country is facing its worst turmoil since the 12-year civil war ended in 2005

    10.4m population

    50 years - life expectancy for a man

    2nd poorest country in the world

    85% are Hutu, 14% Tutsi

    300,000 died in civil war (ANA)
FA/ANA/4 October 2015--------