France stops security cooperation with Burundi, report
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France has suspended security cooperation with Burundi, according to reports. The move puts more pressure on President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has faced demonstrations and a coup attempt of his plans to stand for a third term.
French aid to Burundi's police and defence services has been suspended, a diplomatic source told the AFP news agency Tuesday.
France has been helping the Burundian army with training for international peacekeeping missions, which bring in much-needed cash for the impoverished country's armed forces.
It also helps train the police, who have been involved in a violent crackdown on demonstrations demanding Nkurunziza quit.
The president's response to the protests and intention to stand for a third term, which his opponents argue is against the constitution, has aroused international criticism.The violence that has accompanied the protests has led to a refugee crisis.
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