8223rd Security Council Meeting: Situation in Burundi

Deeply concerned at worsening conditions in Burundi, Security Council presidential statement stresses dialogue only viable process to resolve political situation at 8223rd meeting.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 00:01:24
• Production Date: 5 April 2018
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
• Personal Subject: GUSTAVO MEZA-CUADRA
• Corporate Name: AFRICAN UNION - AU
• Subject Topical: CONFLICT SITUATION; ELECTIONS; POLITICAL EVENTS
• Geographic Subject: BURUNDI
• MAMS Id: 2124056
• Parent Id: 2123407

Description

The Security Council today expressed deep concern over the political situation in Burundi, the slow progress of the inter‑Burundian dialogue and the lack of engagement by the Government in that process.

In presidential statement S/PRST/2018/7, presented by Gustavo Meza‑Cuadra (Peru), Council President for April, the Security Council welcomed and supported the renewed commitment by the African Union and the East African Community to a peaceful resolution of the political situation in Burundi through an inclusive dialogue based on the Arusha Agreement.

Expressing deep concern over the slow progress of the dialogue and calling for all the Burundian stakeholders to participate actively and unconditionally in that process, the Council said it was crucial that all parties, most especially the Government, commit to the East African Community‑led process and reach an agreement ahead of the 2020 elections.

The Security Council further stressed that the dialogue is the only viable process for a sustainable political settlement in Burundi and called upon the United Nations, the African Union and the East African Community, among others, to coordinate their efforts in assisting stakeholders in setting outstanding issues in the implementation of the Arusha Agreement.

Underscoring its deep concern regarding the continued worsening of the humanitarian situation, marked by nearly 180,000 internally displaced persons, 3.6 million people in need and more than 429,000 Burundians seeking refuge in neighboring countries, the Council commended the host countries for their efforts, and called upon Governments in the region to ensure that their return is voluntary, based on informed decisions and in safety and dignity.

Further, the Council strongly condemned all violations and abuses of human rights in Burundi and reaffirmed the primary responsibility of the Government for ensuring security in its territory and protecting its population, with respect for the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law.

The meeting began at 3:06 p.m. and ended at 3:08 p.m.