PEACEBUILDING COMMISSION ADOPTS RECOMMENDATIONS TO SHORE UP PEACE IN BURUNDI

Peacebuilding Commission

Burundi configuration

1^st Meeting (PM)

PEACEBUILDING COMMISSION ADOPTS RECOMMENDATIONS TO SHORE UP PEACE IN BURUNDI

The Peacebuilding Commission today adopted a series of conclusions and recommendations on Burundi to be implemented collectively by the Government and key stakeholders to offset the challenges to peace there, which include regional developments, a fragile budgetary situation, a parliamentary deadlock preventing the passage of crucial legislation, and the withdrawal in July of the National Liberation Forces (PALIPEHUTU-FNL) from the mechanism monitoring the ceasefire.

Presenting the document for adoption was the Chairman of the country-specific configuration on Burundi, Johan L. Løvald ( Norway), who recently returned from a fact-finding mission to Bujumbura, from 5 to 7 September.  He said the conclusions and recommendations were based on a first-hand look at the political and security situation on the ground, as well as consultations held since his return.  The views of both national and international civil society organizations were also taken into consideration through an informal briefing on 14 September.

Today’s text recalled that the partnership between Burundi, the Commission and other stakeholders had been formalized on 22 June through the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Burundi.  That had set out priorities for consolidation of the peace, identified the risks and reflected the mutual engagements between the Government and the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as the contribution of key stakeholders.

Among the recommendations was for the Government to continue to explore ways to resolve differences with the PALIPEHUTU-FNL, whose withdrawal from the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism on 21 July had been followed by violent incidents, causing casualties and creating renewed tensions in the country.  The PALIPEHUTU-FNL was asked to “resume promptly without condition” its participation in the work of the monitoring mechanism and constructively re-engage with the Government with a view to resolving differences.

The Government was also urged to investigate “fully and immediately” recent governance issues and take steps to strengthen Government controls over its expenditures to stem misuse of public funds.

The African Union was asked to continue supporting regional peace initiatives and uphold its timetable for completing implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement by the end of the year.  The Security Council was asked to continue to closely monitor the situation and to consider, if necessary, undertaking appropriate action with a view to the effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement by the set deadline.

There were additional recommendations for the international financial institutions and United Nations agencies, funds and programmes.  Reaffirming its continued commitment to pay close attention to developments in Burundi, the Commission stressed its intention to monitor progress and risks through the Monitoring and Tracking Mechanism currently being established.  It would also continue to advocate for continued support for the peacebuilding process.

Following the adoption of the conclusions and recommendations, Burundi’s representative, Joseph Ntakirutimana, expressed appreciation that the document had taken into account the country’s comments.  He reiterated Burundi’s commitment to implement those aspects that concerned the Government.  Indeed, the Government would make every effort to comply with the Commission’s requests. 

At the same time, however, he said he was concerned that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had not heard the Government’s cries of alarm. The Fund had recommended an increase in oil prices, even while Burundi struggled with its finances. Schools had been unable to open for the school year even though education was a priority. A strike by magistrates also threatened.  Perhaps, the IMF was not working hand-in-hand with the Commission.

He asked the Commission to do its utmost to ensure that the promised budgetary support reach the country by “tomorrow”.  Failure to receive the necessary support could result in further serious difficulties for the country.

The representatives of Egypt, South Africa, Rwanda and Angola reaffirmed the need to ensure the provision of budgetary support for Burundi.  They also stressed the need for the FNL to return to dialogue with the Government.

Those speakers joined the representative of Japan in expressing appreciation for the fact-finding mission and preparation of the report.  They noted that the recommendations and conclusions were appropriate in conveying a clear message to the relevant organs and stakeholders.

The document adopted today was intended for simultaneous transmission to the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly.

Formally established in December 2005, the Peacebuilding Commission seeks to consolidate peace agreements and help to prevent war-ravaged countries from relapsing into deadly conflict.  Two country-specific meetings were launched in 2006, one for Sierra Leone and the other for Burundi.

The Peacebuilding Commission will meet again at a time to be announced.

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For information media • not an official record