President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi sparked controversy on Friday with a strong anti-gay diatribe, advocating for the public stoning of same-sex couples.
The President also condemned Western nations that coerce other countries into accepting gay rights, dangling the threat of aid withdrawal.
Since 2009, Burundi, a conservative Christian country in East Africa, has criminalized homosexuality, imposing prison sentences of up to two years for consensual same-sex acts.
An avowed Catholic, President Ndayishimiye criticized the marriage of same-sex couples, deeming it an “abominable practice.”
‘Personally, I think if we see these kinds of individuals in Burundi we should put them in a stadium and stone them. And it would not be a sin for those who do,’ Ndayishimiye said in response to a question at a public event in the east of the country that was broadcast by Burundian media.
He also criticised Western countries that urge smaller nations to allow gay marriage or risk losing aid, saying: “Let them keep their help, let them keep it.”
Burundians living abroad who have “chosen the devil” and practise homosexuality should “not come back”, he added.
In many East African nations, homosexuality is prohibited, with a deep-seated history of repression and stigma against the LGBTQ+ community, frequently fostered by conservative Muslims and Christians.
In May, Uganda implemented what has been labeled as one of the world’s most stringent laws against homosexuality, leading to widespread condemnation from rights groups and Western nations.
Responding to the situation, the United States declared the removal of Uganda from a significant trade deal and implemented visa restrictions on specific officials, prompting the World Bank to suspend new loans to the country.
At present, Uganda’s constitutional court is examining and facing challenges to the legislation.
This March, Burundi intensified efforts against same-sex relationships, charging 24 individuals with “homosexual practices.”
This action was prompted by President Ndayishimiye’s call for citizens to eradicate homosexuality and consider gay individuals as “pariahs.”
Since assuming power in June 2020 following the passing of President Pierre Nkurunziza, Ndayishimiye has garnered international praise for gradually bringing an end to Burundi’s isolation during his predecessor’s chaotic and violent regime.
Ndayishimiye’s leadership has fallen short in enhancing a dire human rights record, and the country, with a population of 12 million, continues to rank among the poorest globally.