UN political chief welcomes commitment of Burundi’s Government to dialogue, elections

As Under-Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman wrapped up his visit to Burundi, he met today with President, Pierre Nkurunziza, to discuss issues related to the drawdown of the United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB), and establishment of the UN Electoral Observation Mission (MENUB).

Mr Feltman welcomed both the commitment of the Government to continued political dialogue, and of the opposition to participate in the electoral process, congratulating the President on success of the Round Table held yesterday with partners of Burundi.

“This was an opportunity for the partners of Burundi to lay the foundation for closer cooperation after the holding of credible and peaceful elections,” said Mr. Feltman.

During the discussions, the Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, also stressed the importance of peaceful, credible and inclusive elections, in line with the Burundian people’s aspirations, and Mr. Feltman urged all parties to resolve any electoral grievances through dialogue.

“I took advantage of my presence in Burundi to symbolically celebrate the end of the mandate of the United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB),” he said, expressing appreciation for the “outstanding work” of BNUB staff and Mr. Onanga-Anyanga.

As well as discussing issues relating specifically to Burundi, regional peace and security was also on the agenda. Mr. Feltman noted the Secretary-General’s appreciation of the “long and fruitful collaboration” between the UN and Burundi.

“We talked about the issues of peace and security in the Great Lakes region, including the role of Burundi in the Framework Agreement for peace, security and cooperation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region,” Mr. Feltman said, welcoming Burundi’s commitment to African peace and security, including Burundian troops’ sacrifice in Somalia and the Central African Republic.

The UN Security Council set the creation of MENUB in motion in February following the Burundi Government’s request for a UN-backed electoral observer mission before, during and after Burundi’s upcoming 2015 elections.

It will replace BNUB, which was set up in 2006 following a ceasefire between the Government and the last remaining rebel forces to support peace consolidation, democratic governance, disarmament and reform of the security sector. BNUB wraps up its mandate at the end of the year.