Following a report of the Chair of CSM on Burundi, the Norwegian Ambassador to the UN, Johan L. Løvald, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the first time issues specific conclusions and recommendations to consolidate stability in the fragile nation.
21/09/2007 :: Conclusions and recommendations of the PBC following the report of the Chair of the CSM on Burundi.
Based on the recent visit to Bujumbura of the Norwegian Ambassador to the United Nations, Johan L. Løvald, Chair of the Burundi country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, and recent PBC meetings convened in New York, the PBC, in its country-specific configuration, issues the following conclusions and recommendations:
Context
Based on the initial request for advice by the Security Council (PBC/1/OC/2), the partnership between Burundi, the PBC and other stakeholders was formalised on 22 June 2007 through the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Burundi (PBC/1/BDI/4) which (I) sets the priorities and objectives for the consolidation of peace in Burundi, (II) identifies risks and (III) reflects the mutual engagements between the Government of Burundi and the PBC as well as the contribution of key stakeholders in the consolidation of peace in the country.
The Commission is now focused on monitoring the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding. This will enable it to respond to the Security Council request for further advice on Burundi, particularly on those issues covered by the Strategic Framework (S/PRST/2007/16).
The Government of Burundi’s commitment to contribute to the consolidation of peace is commendable. However, recent developments in Burundi have been of concern to stakeholders in the peacebuilding process, including the United Nations, African Union, European Union, International Monetary Fund and World Bank. The Commission agreed to a fact-finding mission to Bujumbura by the Burundi CSM Chair, which took place from 5 to 7 September 2007.
Three main issues were highlighted as affecting the country’s efforts to consolidate peace and potentially provoking a crisis in the country: a fragile budgetary situation; an ongoing parliamentary deadlock resulting in the blocking of legislative action, and the PALIPEHUTU-FNL’s withdrawal from the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JVMM) on 21 July 2007.
Conclusions
Serious governance challenges have led to delays in concluding the 6th review under the IMF’s Arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) and in disbursing donor budgetary support. This has contributed, inter alia, to the fragile budgetary situation. The Government has adopted additional fiscal and other measures to address this situation.
The deadlock in Parliament prevents the passage of legislative measures, some of which are critical to the peacebuilding process.
The PALIPEHUTU-FNL’s recent withdrawal from the mechanism established to implement the 2006 Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement has been followed by violent incidents causing casualties and creating renewed tensions in the country.
Regional developments could also adversely impact upon peacebuilding efforts in Burundi.
These and other issues combined have led to a sense of uncertainty in the country and pose challenges to peace consolidation, which require to be urgently dealt with by the Government and other stakeholders.
Recommendations
2. TO POLITICAL PARTIES
To continue dialogue within and between all political parties to resolve outstanding differences within the democratically established institutions. Both the National Assembly and Senate should resume their work and support the Government’s efforts by ensuring that the necessary reforms relevant to the disbursement of international financial support are undertaken expeditiously.
3. TO THE GOVERNMENT OF BURUNDI
To continue to explore all ways to resolve its differences with leaders of the PALIPEHUTU-FNL.
To investigate fully and immediately recent governance issues and take necessary steps to strengthen government controls over its expenditures, to effectively prevent misuse and misappropriation of public funds.
4. TO THE PALIPEHUTU-FNL
To resume promptly without condition its participation in the work of the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism and constructively re-engage with the Government with a view to resolve differences.
5. TO THE AFRICAN UNION
To continue to support efforts undertaken by the regional peace initiative on Burundi and the South African Facilitation and to uphold its timetable for completion of the implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement by the end of 2007.
6. TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL
To continue to closely monitor the situation in Burundi, in particular with respect to the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement and to consider, if necessary, undertaking appropriate action with a view to the effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement by the set deadline.
To International Financial Institutions, Donors and the Government
To continue to take into account, in the context of the ongoing dialogue between the IMF and the Government of Burundi, the fragile situation in the country in early disbursement of financial support.
To continue to actively follow-up on the commitments made at the May 2007 Round Table and consider additional and/or alternative financial support in the context of the fragile budgetary situation, bearing in mind the dire needs of the population.
To the UN Secretariat and UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes
To continue to support the work of the PBC in its engagement with Burundi, including by contributing to the implementation of the Strategic Framework.
The Peacebuilding Commission remains committed to continue to pay close attention to developments in Burundi and particularly to monitor progress and risks for peacebuilding, through the Monitoring and Tracking Mechanism currently being established. The Peacebuilding Commission will continue to advocate within the international community for continued support for peacebuilding in Burundi.