Burundi

(asked on 9th June 2014) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the security situation in Burundi.


Answered by
 Portrait
Mark Simmonds
This question was answered on 16th June 2014

We are concerned about recent developments in the security situation in Burundi. The situation remains tense with limited political space not conducive to the protection of human rights.

During my visit in April, I heard concerns from Burundians and the international community about the increasing limitations on political space and the resultant challenge that could pose for next year's elections. The UN Office in Burundi (BNUB), which is playing an important role reporting on human rights and bringing stability to Burundi, have warned that as the country approaches elections in 2015, there is a possibility of violence.

I am particularly concerned about the trend of increased violence by the youth wings of political parties. I discussed these issues with the Burundian President Nkurunzia during my visit to Burundi in April. I also emphasised the importance of consolidating peace and democracy and that reconciliation and free and fair elections were key to Burundi's future. Officials, including from our High Commission in Kigali, continue to monitor the situation closely

We welcome the UN Security Council's increased focus on Burundi and our Permanent Representative to the UN emphasised the importance of reconciliation and holding free and fair elections during April's UN Security Council debates on Burundi. We strongly support the resulting Presidential Statement which expressed concern at the violence and the closing down of political space.

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