Mr. President,
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in today’s meeting on Burundi in my capacity as Chair of the Burundi country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. As I noted back in December, the close collaboration between the Security Council and the Peace Building Commission on Burundi is essential. Not least as peace and stability in Burundi is a key building block for peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region as a whole.
I undertook a visit to Burundi from 25 to 27 May 2009. The purpose of the visit was to assess progress in the peacebuilding process and to identify key priorities for further engagement by the Peacebuilding Commission, including in the elections in 2010. I met with national and international stakeholders, including the President of the Republic, the National Independent Electoral Commission, the South African Facilitator, as well as representatives from civil society, political parties and international partners.
Peacebuilding in Burundi has clearly entered a new phase. There has been impressive progress in the disarmament, demobilization and re-integration process, all children formerly associated with the FNL have been released and reunited with their families, and the FNL will participate in the up-coming elections as a political party. I congratulate the Government of Burundi and the FNL for these achievements.
At the same time there are remaining challenges related to the peace process. In particular the completion of the DDR process. I welcome the “Partnership for Peace in Burundi” and I encourage continued leadership by South Africa, the Regional Initiative and the African Union in order to sustain achievements made and to ensure a successful peace process.
In view of Burundi entering a new chapter in its peacebuilding process, the Peacebuilding Commission can now start to shift its attention towards support to longer term socioeconomic reintegration and to the challenges related to the elections in 2010.
Many ex-combatants and other demobilized people will need assistance for their long-term socioeconomic reintegration. Such efforts should also target other groups affected by the war, including returnees and internally displaced people. The Peacebuilding Commission will help mobilize support once the comprehensive strategy for durable socio-economic reintegration has been finalized by the Government in consultation with partners.
During my visit I witnessed a firm commitment by the Government and all national stakeholders to free and fair elections in 2010. At the same time concern was raised about insecurity in the electoral process. There are recent reports of politically motivated violence. In this regard, there is a pressing need for support to further professionalize the police and to strengthen the justice sector.
The Independent Electoral Commission enjoys broad support and trust among Burundians. But the Electoral Commission urgently needs basic equipment as well as further political, technical and financial support. Other national partners such as media, civil society, women organizations and national observers are also in acute need of support.
There is broad agreement in Burundi that the international community needs to support and accompany the electoral process. In this regard, I particularly welcome the request from the Government of Burundi to the United Nations for support before, during and after elections.
The Peacebuilding Commission can help set the agenda for international support to the elections, contribute to the coordination of international efforts and ensure that support is demand driven, as well as mobilize additional resources when gaps emerge. A thematic meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission will soon be organised to discuss the support required and the conditions necessary for free and fair elections, as well as to further identify the role of the Commission in support of the elections.
Mr President,
Sustained international attention and support is critical to consolidate peace and contribute to long term development in Burundi. In order to further enhance the role of the Peacebuilding Commission I have encouraged relevant stakeholders in Bujumbura to activate a local platform of the Commission. A stronger link between the processes at the country level and in New York will further improve the effectiveness and relevance of our support.
Finally, allow me to commend the Government of Burundi and all national stakeholders for their constructive engagement in the peacebuilding process. Let me also use this occasion to recognize the important role of BINUB in support of the peace process and of the broader peacebuilding agenda. The integrated United Nations presence in Burundi, together with the strategic leadership by the ERSG will continue to be vital for effective support to peacebuilding.
I thank you.