Burundi has suspended the activities of most foreign non-governmental organisations (NGO) until they comply with a new law imposing tighter controls on their operations.

The authorities said most of the estimated 130 NGOs in Burundi were not following regulations.

NGOs have denounced the new law which imposes ethnic quotas and administration fees and obliges them to keep their accounts in foreign currency in the central bank.

Burundi is experiencing foreign currency shortages due to European Union sanctions. NGOs provide essential services in the country.