PBC Chair reiterates international community support to Burundi

25 Jun 2013

PBC Chair reiterates international community support to Burundi

24 June 2013 – On the first day of his visit to Burundi, the Chair of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission - Burundi Configuration, Paul Seger reiterated international community's support to Burundi as well as the need for the Government to undertake the announced institutional and political reforms.

"Burundi compromised itself to institutional and political reforms and progress in economic and social areas", Paul Seger said, reminding the international community's message related to the importance of "an open political space, freedom of opinion and expression and the role of media" in the country.

"We appeal Burundi to respect that but at the same time we stand here as friends and partners to support and convey our confidence and support to the Government and the authorities", the UN official told media after a meeting with Burundi's Second Vice-president in Bujumbura.
The Chair of PBC Burundi Configuration is visiting Burundi to see "the progress and challenges" in view of the country upcoming challenges, including thematic conferences in July and October 2013, aimed to mobilize partners financial assistance and 2015 elections.
Paul Seger will be received by Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza and members of the Government and hold discussions with representatives of the major political parties, civil society and media as well as diplomats.
Burundi is in PBC's agenda since 2006. In January 2007, the Secretary-General of the United Nations announced an allocation of $35 million through the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) to fund 17 projects related to Peace and Governance, Security Sector Reform, Justice and Human Rights and Land issues. In 2011, PBF granted $9.2 million to fund peace consolidation projects.