Annan calls for UN decision on Burundi peacekeeping by early April

With the potential of upcoming multiparty elections in Burundi to give rise to recurrent unrest, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on the Security Council to make an early decision on sending a peacekeeping mission to bolster the stabilizing work of the African Union's (AU) forces before their mandate expires in early April.

The term of the AU's African Mission in Burundi (AMIB) runs out on 2 April, while elections are slated to be held in eight months, Mr. Annan says in a new report to the Security Council. "I would therefore recommend that the Security Council consider authorizing the deployment of a multidimensional United Nations peacekeeping operation to support the peace process in Burundi."

"If the United Nations is to answer the call of the African Union and the Government of Burundi to assist in the final stages of the of the peace process, particularly in regard to enhancing the security situation, a decision, at least in principle, should be taken quickly, if possible before 2 April," Mr. Annan adds.

A UN assessment mission to the country was repeatedly reminded that violence followed Burundi's multiparty elections in 1962 and 1993 and could recur. This was especially significant because sustainable peace in Burundi is necessary for long-term stability in the entire Great Lakes region, the report states.

The UN operation would include a military component of 5,650 troops, including observers and headquarters staff, based on the reassignment of AMIB and building on the capabilities of the existing UN Office in Burundi (UNOB), Mr. Annan says.

The Security Council is scheduled to discuss the report on Monday.