February 25, 2011_The Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations and President of the UN Peace-building Commission (PBC), Amb. Paul Seger paid a one-day working visit to the EAC Headquarters today and held discussions with the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Juma Mwapachu.

The main purpose of Amb. Seger's visit was to initiative dialogue between EAC and PBC with a view to strengthening support to peace building efforts in Burundi. The Swiss diplomat noted that further stabilization of peace in Burundi would strongly benefit from the country's successful integration in the sub-region. He said the East African Community plays a critical role on issues of peace, development and cooperation in the sub-region.

Amb. Seger was accompanied by Danilson Lopes da Rosa, a Political Affairs Officer; and Vincent Kayijuka, a Peace Support Officer at the United Nations in New York, USA. Amb. Juma Mwapachu was accompanied by his Deputy in charge of Political Federation, Hon. Beatrice Kiraso and Mr. Didacus B. Kaguta, the EAC Peace and Security Officer.

The Secretary General and his Deputy briefed Amb. Paul Seger on the several initiatives being undertaken by the EAC Secretariat to fast track the integration of Burundi into the EAC projects and programmes. Some of the initiatives include factoring Burundi in the EAC master plans for roads, railways and power systems, peace and security programmes, small arms and light weapons programme, good governance, foreign policy coordination, as well as chairing the Community.

The Swiss diplomat was amazed at the EAC milestones saying "I am thoroughly impressed with what EAC is doing especially the efforts being made to integrate the new Partner State and I encourage you to continue on that same path". He said integration of Burundi into the EAC will definitely assist the Government in its efforts towards national reconciliation and the fight against impunity.

The Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations urged the EAC to actively support the process of reconciliation in Burundi and encourage those willing to dialogue to do so.

The two sides agreed to explore further areas of collaboration and to share information constantly.

Additional Notes for Editors

The UN Peace-building Commission generally deals with countries emerging from conflict, once a peace agreement has been concluded and a minimum degree of safety achieved.

A cease-fire agreement was signed in 2003 after Burundi's civil war, and several post-conflict elections were held between 2005 and 2010, with the technical and financial support from the international community.

Currently, Burundi, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Central African Republic and Sierra Leone are listed on the agenda of the Commission.