YouSaid · the spoken record

Onanga-Anyanga

lines on the record: 279
first: 2013-01-24
most recent: 2023-10-12
sittings or episodes: 18
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“It is regrettable that the adoption of that important law to set up transitional justice mechanisms has not made it possible to overcome sectarian divisions. We must now do our utmost to prevent such differences from compromising the credibility and the functioning of the commission and from casting doubt over the long-term prospect for reconciliation towards a stronger national cohesion. Despite such worrisome factors, mentioned here to demonstrate the extent of the path to cover, I remain confident about the capacity of Burundian political actors to overcome their differences and together deal with their common challenges. They must overcome the political intolerance within and among the political parties and accept diverging views without creating enemies. That is still possible.”
2014-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7174 (2014) · source
“That phenomenon is ofparticular concern since it also affects young supporters of the ruling party. I encourage the Government to persevere in its efforts to counter such agitation. In order to prevent deterioration, we have in particular to recommended that the authorities strengthen initiatives to promote better political governance through dialogue and tolerance, while putting an end to impunity. However, it is also urgent to continue efforts to significantly reduce the security risk posed by illicit weapon flows. Mistrust, which is dividing the Burundi political class, has been evident since the negotiations and the adoption in April of the law establishing a truth and reconciliation commission.”
2014-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7174 (2014) · source
“However, a certain number of concerns remain. On the political front, the situation is still tense. Mistrust and a lack of constructive and inclusive dialogue between the Government and opposition parties do not help matters. The political space remains limited. The Government insists on the need to respect the laws in place, while the opposition, civil society associations and the media condemn the represssive laws. Unfortunately, it must be recognized that such a context is not conducive to respect for and the best protection of human rights. Moreover, with the approaching electoral period, there is a trend towards political violence and clashes among youths affiliated with political parties, which reflects the prevailing hostile political climate.”
2014-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7174 (2014) · source
“Burundi has become an important troop contributor to peacekeeping operations. That has won it the admiration and appreciation of all as a result ofthe successful reform of its national forces. Burundi can also be congratulated on its strong representation of women in political life. On the socioeconomic front, the Government's actions are guided by the ambitious strategic framework - the second poverty reduction strategy paper, which the international community supports, in particular through the Geneva conferences and with the valuable support of Ambassador Seger. Furthermore, a significant reform process is under way to clean up the private sector and to promote private investment, which is key to development. That remains one of Burundi's major challenges, in particular in the area of youth unemployment.”
2014-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7174 (2014) · source
“The plan, which contains details on the transition, including the transfer of tasks to the relevant stakeholders and on possible gaps following BNUB's Withdrawal, is before the Council today. In many ways, this is a historic moment, as it marks the beginning ofthe end of a stand-alone United Nations political presence in Burundi in order to focus on development activities through a strengthened United Nations country team. (spoke in French) Burundi has made considerable progress since the signing of the Arusha accords. That has enabled the country to leave behind its murderous conflict, which has killed its people for many decades. In general, security prevails throughout the national territory, even if there is a relatively growing number of grenade attacks and incursions by armed elements.”
2014-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7174 (2014) · source
“During the reporting period, the United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB) made progress on its mandated tasks, including promoting and facilitating dialogue; strengthening judicial and parliamentary institutions; supporting the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms; and promoting the protection of human rights. In addition, pursuant to resolution 2137 (2014), BNUB began the process of transitioning to a United Nations country team. I was asked to prepare and submit to the Security Council a joint transition plan by 15 May. I am pleased to report that, thanks to the outstanding cooperation and support of the Government of Burundi and the keen participation of all members of the transition steering group, we have been able to meet that important goal.”
2014-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7174 (2014) · source
“Mr. Onanga-Anyanga: It gives me pleasure, Sir, to see you presiding over the Council for the month of May. Congratulations to you and your country, the Republic of Korea. I am here today with His Excellency Mr. Edouard Nduwimana, Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Burundi, and other senior Government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of External Relations, Ambassador Albert Shingiro. Allow me to greet Ambassador Niyonzima, Permanent Representative of Burundi to the United Nations, and Ambassador Paul Seger, Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). Given that the Council has been closely monitoring the situation in Burundi over the past few weeks, I will limit my briefing to only a few significant developments.”
2014-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7174 (2014) · source
“I would also like to thank the Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, my dear friend Ambassador Paul Seger, for the excellent collaboration that we have so effectively developed over the past year. In him, Burundi has a strong advocate. Please allow me to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Government of Burundi for their hospitality, cooperation and willingness to work with me for the advancement of peace in Burundi. I will be ever indebted to the Secretary-General for the opportunity to assist him in the pursuit of world peace and security. Last but not least, I am most grateful to my colleagues, both in Bujumbura and here at Headquarters, for their invaluable support.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“(spoke in English) The Secretary-General has called upon Burundians to show visionary leadership going forward, particularly in view of the major challenges still ahead. I have no doubt that they will, and I know that the Council will remain at their side. Let us not tire of doing what is good for at the right time we will reap an abundant harvest if we do not give up. Of course, we must and can do that only with the full consent and support of the Government of Burundi. In closing, I would like to thank members of the Council for their outstanding support to Burundians and to me personally since I assumed my duties.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“The same can be said of the role that regional and subregional African organizations could play. I welcome the efforts of the Government and of millions of Burundians who strive daily for a future Burundi that is more united, peaceful and prosperous. However, that task, as appreciated as it is, is not over and requires the support of the Security Council and the international community, in particular in a regional context that is constantly changing. I am pleased about the friendly dialogue that is continuing on that issue with the Burundian authorities so that the noble goals of peacebuilding and conflict prevention can unite and strengthen in a timely way the legitimate will for greater national ownership. Minister Kavakure will certainly be able to give us more information on the views of the Government of Burundi in that regard.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“The peacebuilding priority plan that we jointly drafted and signed in December 2013 should facilitate the achievement of that important goal. The Secretary-General's recommendation fully takes into account the desire for greater national ownership expressed by the Government of Burundi. However, it also relies on the assessment of the benchmarks that structure our peacebuilding efforts in Burundi, in agreement with the Government and in accordance with the relevant mandates of the Security Council. Finally, this recommendation also takes into account the fact that the United Nations country team, which should bear most of the responsibilities assigned to the United Nations Office in Burundi, may not be equipped in the short term to effectively undertake those important tasks.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“That warning applies to Burundi, where the process of taking ownership of the justice mechanisms transition remains unfinished. For all those reasons, the Secretary-General himself has endeavoured to raise awareness among Burundian authorities at the highest level of the need for sustained political support by the United Nations. The Secretary- General's offer is aimed at supporting national efforts in the delicate transition towards enhanced political dialogue, respect for and the protection of the rights of all, and the establishment of strong democratic institutions, including through the upcoming 2015 elections. The Government is committed to ensuring that those elections are transparent, fair and peaceful. If they are well organized, the elections could mark the end of the transition in Burundi's peacebuilding process.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“They recognized, without skirting the issue, that the climate of mistrust among the main political actors, the absence of a consensual process for revising the Constitution, intolerance and political violence involving, in particular, young people affiliated with certain political parties, and the limitations to the exercise of public freedoms were among the pressing challenges that had to be urgently addressed. You yourself, Mr. President, have taken the initiative to convene tomorrow, 29 January, an important thematic debate on the lessons to be drawn from war and the search for a permanent peace. I heed your warning that a poor management of collective memory can threaten the future peace and stability of nations.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“The fragility and volatility of a number of key indicators indeed justify such commitment. Giving Burundi every chance to set its development process on a firm footing and win the fight against poverty is indeed vital to lasting peacebuilding and social cohesion. More recently, the Burundian political class met from 27 to 29 November 2013 in Bujumbura to evaluate for the first time the road map adopted by consensus at the workshop held from 11 to 13 March 2013.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“Those forces are now the pride of Burundi, and their role in maintaining international peace and security and the sacrifices they have made in doing so inspire respect and admiration. However, I also come here in the awareness that, as far as our wonderful peacebuilding work in Burundi has come, it remains unfinished. That fact has been noted by more people than just the Secretary-General. It is the conviction first and foremost of the Government and people of Burundi. It is indeed at the very heart of the efforts to build a consensual society that are expressed in several national policy documents, including the Vision Burundi 2025 and the second version of Strategic Framework for Growth and the Fight against Poverty, which Ambassador Paul Seger and all of Burundi's development partners tirelessly support.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“The Burundian nation and international observers unanimously welcomed that great moment of harmony, which entrenched the Virtues of dialogue and the search for consensus on major issues of national interest. For those who know a bit about Burundi, what happened at Kigobe was in line with the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi, which remains to this day a strong expression of Burundians' desire to forge a common destiny. Since then, Burundi has continued its progress towards building a lasting peace and strengthening its democratic institutions. In particular, the country successfully held two elections in 2005 and 2010, and established national armed forces that form the bedrock of security throughout the country.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“(spoke in English) The Council has before it the comprehensive report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Burundi (S/2014/36). The report was informed by the strategic assessment mission that was conducted pursuant to resolution 2090 (2013). The findings of the mission and the final assessment by the Secretary-General are compelling. I shall therefore limit myself to a few comments. (spoke in French) I come to the Council today with my heart full of hope and optimism for Burundi's future. I come to the Council emboldened by the echo of what we may now call the spirit of Kigobe, where the National Assembly of Burundi met from 19 to 20 December 2013 and the President brought together all political actors and representatives of Burundian civil society for national consultations on Burundi's future constitution.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“Mr. Onanga-Anyanga: It is a great pleasure, Sir, to see you as President of the Council and to see your country as a Council member for the next two years. Please allow me to congratulate you on your already impressive contribution to the work of this body. (spoke in French) Let me also warmly welcome His Excellency Mr. Laurent Kavakure, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Burundi, with whom I have had the privilege of working closely since I took office. I thank him profusely and convey once again my gratitude to the Government of Burundi for its warm welcome and our excellent relationship. They demonstrate, without doubt, the importance that Burundi attaches to the United Nations.”
2014-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7104 (2014) · source
“Everywhere I noticed a great deal of confidence in the future they want to build together patiently, jointly and with mutual respect. Allow me to pay tribute to the members of the international community present in Burundi for their support to the country. I am also grateful to all my colleagues from BNUB and to the United Nations family in Burundi for their dedication. I would like to conclude by referring to what an astute Burundian observer once solemnly told me, which was that his country continued to make progress despite the weight of history and the daily challenges. I found his words rich in meaning and hope - hope for a better tomorrow, forged from the hard work ofBurundi's men and women. They will need the outstretched and reassuring hand of all their partners, and, undoubtedly, the continued engagement of the Security Council.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“In recent months, I had the privilege to hold lengthy meetings with all senior Burundian officials, including with the Permanent Representative, who is here in the Chamber, on all the issues that Ijust mentioned. I was thus able to take good stock of the importance that the authorities attach to the task of modernizing their country. I am grateful for the quality of the reception and the cooperation that I enjoyed in exercising my functions. That demonstrates the great respect that Burundi has for the United Nations, and for international cooperation in general. I also took the time to listen to other stakeholders in Burundian society ~ political parties, representatives of civil society, religious groups, women's organizations and youth groups.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“The holding of its next elections will sorely test the young Burundian democracy. The positive trends in the current political scene bode well for the success of that important event for the Burundian people and their history. At the request of President Nkurunziza, the Secretary-General is preparing to deploy a mission during the third week of August to assess Burundi's electoral assistance needs. Carried out in the broader context of the multilateral reforms under way while effectively addressing the various issues that I have referred to, and with effective support for the country's efforts to improve growth and combat poverty, Burundi's democratic experience could be a foundation for building a nation that is more united, prosperous and confident in its future.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“We look forward to seeing this encouraging process continue, and to supporting the Government of Burundi and other national stakeholders in their work on this important initiative. (spoke in French) In accordance with paragraph 13 ofresolution 2090 (2013), of 13 February, the Secretary-General will soon inform members of the Council in greater detail about the implementation of BNUB's mandate based on the report to be provided to him by the strategic assessment mission, which he will deploy shortly. For its part, BNUB will tirelessly pursue its mission to support the peacebuilding process and to strengthen democratic institutions in Burundi. In that respect, the preparation for the forthcoming 2015 elections, which are already giving rise to much debate and are the subject of intense preparations, deserve special attention.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“Allow me once again to commend Ambassador Seger for his leadership and tireless work to promote lasting peace and development in Burundi. I have found in Paul a strong ally in our joint efforts to enable Burundi to achieve its own national strategic objectives for peace, development and reconciliation. I would also like to express my appreciation to Special Envoy Mary Robinson for her exceptional work to advance peace and stability in the region. Burundi recently hosted a regional conference on women, security, peace and development, co-organized by Ms. Robinson's office, which led to the adoption of a regional action plan on resolution 1325 (2000), as well as to a renewed commitment to collaborate in the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“We are grateful to Burundi's partners for their steadfast support, and urge the international community to stay engaged and help ensure that the country remains firmly set on its path to sustainable development and lasting peace consolidation. In that regard, work has also continued to advance in the more area of peacebuilding in Burundi. The implementation of the reintegration programmes for war-affected populations, funded by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Efforts to plan for a possible third tranche of PBF funding for Burundi have begun. In his capacity as Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Paul Seger visited Burundi from 21 to 28 June.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“Almost 80,000 people continue to be internally displaced in Burundi. Despite many advances made at the national level and the commendable efforts undertaken by the Government, the private sector and citizens themselves, Burundi remains in need of strong support from its partners in order to overcome the numerous challenges it faces on the socioeconomic development front. In that regard, a key area of focus during the first half of this year was to ensure effective follow-up to the commitments made by international partners at the October 2012 Geneva Conference. As I mentioned earlier, the Government successfully organized a first sectoral follow-up conference, which took place in Bujumbura from 15 to 16 July. A second conference, focused on governance and energy, is being planned for October.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“On 27 January, the central market of Bujumbura burned down completely, profoundly affecting the economic and social life of the city and the country as a whole. The incident has negatively affected local merchants, farmers, transport workers and other citizens, exacerbating an already difficult economic situation for many. Income generation also continued to be a major challenge for those Burundians who returned from the Mtabila refugee camp in Tanzania at the end of 2012, mostly due to the lack of land for agriculture and related land conflicts, despite the reintegration support provided by the United Nations and other partners. Burundi remains host to more than 50,000 refugees, mostly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the majority of whom are women and children.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“We remain confident that the same attitude will be observed during the review and adoption of two further laws, on public meetings and demonstrations, and on non-profit organizations, with a view to protecting freedom of association and expression. On benchmark 8, concerning socioeconomic development, overall Burundi continues to struggle with high rates of extreme poverty. Food security and nutrition remain major challenges, and most Burundians continue to face a daily struggle to make ends meet. Projections for 2013 indicate a slightly increased growth rate of 5.3 per cent, which is, however, insufficient to significantly reduce the poverty level, given the continuing high rates of population growth.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“Preoccupied by the risks of a decline in the freedom of the press and democratic space, the Secretary-General and a variety of bilateral and international partners, as well as local and international civil society organizations, called on the Government to uphold the freedom of expression. Among the concerns are provisions that broaden the conditions under which journalists can be forced to reveal their sources and give disproportionate fines and other penalties for certain press offences. It is therefore reassuring that the Government of Burundi has since indicated its intention to apply the law leniently and to ensure that the freedom of the press continues to be a feature of the vibrant democracy Burundi aspires to be.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“It is worth noting that the police indeed seem to have started adopting a more cautious approach when dealing with similar incidents. It is imperative to now build on those advances so as to prevent further tragedies such as the incident on 12 March and to ensure that the freedom of religion and the freedom of assembly are respected while public order is upheld in accordance with the relevant legal provisions. Efforts continued aimed at improving judicial follow-up to grave human rights violations, in a somewhat encouraging trend that began in 2012. Continued efforts will therefore need to be exerted to ensure that all perpetrators of crimes are duly prosecuted and sentenced, with a view to ending impunity. The promulgation of the new press law on 4 June, after much controversial debate, has proved to be a highly divisive issue.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“Seven followers of a self-proclaimed prophetess, Eusebie Ngendakumana, were killed after a violent confrontation with the police. Eleven cases of torture and 80 cases of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment also occurred. Those figures, regrettably, mark an increase over the comparative period of the previous year. It must be noted that the excessive and inappropriate use of force by State security agents, mostly the police, appears to have been the cause of the majority of the cases of human rights violations that have been documented since the beginning of this year. The Government has attributed the Businde incident to a lack of adequate training of the police with regard to crowd control and managing public demonstrations.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“In a positive development, on 3 April a new criminal code was signed into law by the President, marking significant improvements in procedures in a number of important areas and enhancing oversight and accountability. On benchmark 6, concerning human rights, the picture regarding the overall human rights situation during the first six months of this year is mixed. There has been a great deal of improvement, with persistent challenges. We have noted far fewer cases of killings that may have been politically motivated than in the past. In the first six months of 2013, BNUB documented 20 cases of extrajudicial executions. It needs to be emphasized, however, that a large number of those grave violations were associated with a single event, on 12 March, in the commune of Businde, in Kayanza province.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“On benchmark 5, concerning the rule of law, following the adoption of the sectorial strategy of the Ministry of Justice in 2011, BNUB continued to work closely with the Ministry of Justice and other relevant partners on the planning of an inclusive and open conference, the Etats-Generaux de la Justice, which is now planned for August 2013, after lengthy and difficult consultations. The judicial system as a whole still faces considerable challenges, as evidenced, for example, by the continuing gaps in the promotion of magistrates. It is hoped that the Etats-Ge'ne'raux will help define the way forward in addressing the challenges in the justice sector with inputs from all relevant stakeholders.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“The country now appears likely to miss its 2013 revenue targets by a very substantial margin, threatening development outcomes and currency exchange. If not properly handled, that, in turn, could pose a serious threat to the hard-won yet still fragile stability. A recent mission to Burundi by the International Monetary Fund identified a number of urgent alterations in fiscal policy that the country must pursue in order to balance its books. It will be critical for Burundi's leaders to take the painful steps necessary to ensure that the situation is rectified and revenue growth resumes.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“BNUB has been encouraging the Government of Burundi to press ahead with the implementation of the National Strategy of Good Governance and the Fight against Corruption, especially given the current efforts to work with donor partners on the follow-up to the commitments made at last year's partners conference in Geneva. Building on the positive developments reported last year, we have been able to note sustained improvement in the business environment and an ongoing reform process in the economic sector. However, Burundi currently finds itself in an extremely difficult fiscal position. After three strong years of revenue growth, driven by the important work of Burundi's Office Burundais des Revenues, collected revenues in Burundi showed a marked decline in the period from February to May 2013.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“In anticipation of the discussion of the draft law in Parliament, BNUB continued its activities with regard to raising awareness among national stakeholders as to international standards and best practices, notably by organizing a workshop for parliamentarians on the topic. Those efforts will continue to assist in the adoption of a law that is in conformity with international norms and national expectations. No other process is as challenging as revisiting and owning the Burundian past. Yet, as hard and painful a path as that is, it remains vital to rebuilding the nation so that it can at last live free of fear, identity-conflict and impunity. On benchmark 4, concerning governance, Burundi must be commended for its efforts to strengthen governance and the accountability of institutions.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“On 28 May, Burundi took a step forward in the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons when the First Vice-President launched a second civilian-disarmament campaign, which will now be carried out with support from the United Nations and other partners. With regard to benchmark III, concerning transitional justice, the transitional justice mechanisms foreseen by the Arusha Accords have yet to materialize. In his address to the nation on the occasion ofBurundi's Independence Day, the President reaffirmed his Government's commitment to establishing a truth and reconciliation commission, noting that a draft law to that effect was before the Parliament and preparatory work was well advanced.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“Mary Robinson. Burundi has also maintained its laudable commitment to peace in Somalia through its significant contribution to the African Union Mission in Somalia, an engagement that the international community continues to appreciate strongly. BNUB has continued to support the Government's efforts to professionalize and enhance the capacity of the national defence and security services, together with bilateral partners, including through the training of trainers on human rights and the prevention of gender-based violence, and through the marking and registration ofweapons.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“However, occasional clashes among Government forces and armed groups continued during the previous reporting period, including cross-border incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with armed groups claiming responsibility for some of the attacks. As such incidents show, the ongoing instability in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to adversely impact Burundi. In a bid to help stem regional instability, Burundi has actively participated in regional and international efforts to strengthen peace consolidation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including through the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region and, most recently, through its active support to the Kampala process and the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Ms.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“In view of the divisive nature of this matter, and the risk of its opportunistic exploitation for political gain, including along ethnic lines, BNUB has called on all stakeholders to handle it with great care, in the spirit of the Arusha Accords, with a view to furthering justice, reconciliation, social cohesion and peace. We have therefore been encouraged to see the beginnings of a broader and more open discussion concerning the handling of land disputes in general, notably with a workshop chaired by President Nkurunziza on 24 June, which underlined the need for the CNTB to be guided by the principles of the Arusha Accords, while promoting justice and reconciliation. With regard to benchmark II, concerning security and stability, overall, Burundi continued to enjoy a commendable level of security and stability.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“BNUB has intensified contacts with youth-group leaders to that end, and is planning to facilitate a meeting among them later this year, to assist in reinforcing peaceful approaches ahead of the 2015 elections. The questions of land and the handling of disputes by the Commission Nationale des terres et autres biens (CNTB) relating to land and other assets unlawfully seized during the 1972 crisis have also been the subject of controversial discussion in Burundi during the first six months of this year. In some cases, the implementation of the Commission's decisions has elicited public, and at times violent, responses. The issue of land and other assets is one of the most sensitive in the Burundian context and does not lend itself to easy solutions. Burundi is a landlocked country with one of the highest population densities in the world.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“We welcome the recent statements by the President of the ruling party and the President of the Imbonerakure, echoed by Cabinet members, in which they all emphasized that the CNDD-FDD and the Government did not endorse violent acts and called on the courts to prosecute violations in accordance with the law. Leaders of other political parties have similarly encouraged their youth to refrain from violence. Given the country's violent history, we strongly urge all stakeholders to ensure that youth wings of political parties perform their activities peacefully and do not become a source of intimidation and, at times, actual danger to the population, including those who may be politically active, thus affecting negatively the political environment ahead of the 2015 elections.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“Such major advances on political dialogue have played a key role in reducing restrictions of political space, which have had the negative impact of curtailing the ability of political parties and actors to freely conduct their day-to-day activities. Yet, there is more to be done, since the activities of some members of the Imbonerakure - the youth league of the ruling party, the Conseil national pour la defense de la democratic-Forces pour la defense de la democratie (CNDD-FDD) - and overzealous local authorities continue to raise concerns. On numerous occasions during the reporting period, members of the Imbonerakure have harassed citizens and committed crimes - often, it is alleged, for political reasons.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“Another crucial element, as key political party leaders emphasized during a meeting I held with them on 7 June, is a dedicated discussion on the establishment of a political environment that is conducive to the elections. The Government and BNUB have begun preparations for an inclusive meeting, to be held by September, that would specifically focus on this key issue. I wish to emphasize that the return of key political figures to Burundi marks significant progress and is an encouraging sign of the increasing willingness of all political actors to collaborate in the interest of preparing for peaceful, free and fair elections in 2015. The returning politicians have since resumed their activities, with some political parties having already been able to make progress in terms of reaching out to their members in different parts of the country.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“While some of the participants lamented a lack of preparation, they mostly appreciated the Government's initiative and the degree of openness that was shown by the inclusive list of invitees and the way the discussions were managed. In our views, the implementation of the conclusions reached in Kayanza would represent a major step forward on the path to organizing free, fair and transparent elections. It is encouraging that, on various occasions, the President of the Republic reaffirmed his Government's commitment to ensuring that those recommendations be endorsed through the established legislative process when revising Burundi's electoral law in the coming months.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“As the first in a series of follow-up activities envisaged to move the preparations forward, the Government, with the support of the United Nations, organized a workshop from 22 to 25 May in the northern town of Kayanza, to discuss possible revisions to the electoral code, which was one of the elements that the March seminar had agreed to discuss. That workshop was again a success, and ended with broad agreement on the provisions of the electoral code that should be proposed to lawmakers for revision. Recommendations included the combination of presidential, legislative and communal elections; the distribution of tally sheets to political party agents at polling stations; and, most important, an agreement on the use of a single-ballot system, which had been a long-standing and divisive matter in Burundi.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“Despite diverging views on several issues, participants agreed on a number of key principles going forward, as documented in the elements of a road map that emerged as the workshop's immediate outcome. Such principles included, inter alia, the need for inclusive political dialogue, the creation of a security environment conducive to the holding of free and peaceful elections, and the freedom of all political parties and actors to carry out their activities. The Home Affairs Ministry assumed responsibility for moving the process forward in an inclusive manner, and is to be congratulated for the constructive approach it has taken towards that aspect of dialogue.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“The country's First Vice-President addressed the opening session of the workshop, which was attended by the Home Affairs Minister and other senior Government officials, representatives of all political parties, political actors who played a key role during the 2010 elections, and a range of senior Government officials and eminentpersons, such as former Presidents. In one particular development, several opposition politicians who had remained in exile abroad following their boycott of the 2010 elections returned to Burundi to participate in the workshop. It is worth stressing that, for the first time since 2010, all Burundian political actors came together to discuss their country's political future. Discussions during the three days were open, frank and constructive.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“It is therefore in a spirit of mutually sustained commitment that I would like to present the following oral report on the situation in Burundi, which I have the honour to deliver following the publication of the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/36). (spoke in English) I am pleased to report that we have seen significant advances in terms of political dialogue since my most recent briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.6909). As indicated then, from 11 to 13 March, BNUB organized a workshop on electoral lessons learned with all Burundian political parties and actors, with the aim of helping to prepare the way ahead to the elections in 2015 by drawing lessons from the 2010 electoral process.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“The Secretary-General of course wishes to underscore that the primary responsibility lies with Burundians themselves, particularly through bold reforms and uncompromising governance. However, in the light of the many burdens that might impede growth and the emergence of a more effective economy that is more strongly linked to the East African Community, Burundi should receive essential support from its development partners in order to better strengthen its foundations and more effectively deploy its potential. The priority areas of energy, infrastructure, youth employment and agriculture should be developed, including through foreign direct investment, as the levels in the latter area remain far too low.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source
“At the outset, I would like to echo the appeal made by the Secretary- General for continued, multilateral support for economic recovery in Burundi. Helping Burundi to overcome the current economic problems that threaten to undermine the gains of a still-fragile stability requires taking part in the dynamic set in motion by the Security Council and following through on the peacebuilding process in the country in a holistic manner, as reflected by the criteria and indicators known as the benchmarks - in this case the benchmark pertaining to economic and social development - so as to make the dividends of peace, without which stability could be called into question, even more tangible.”
2013-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7006 (2013) · source