Chronology of Events

revised on 6 July 2020

Burundi

June 2020

On 22 June, the Security Council convened a closed VTC meeting on Burundi. Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Bintou Keita briefed. The Council was expected to meet on Burundi in May, in keeping with the quarterly briefings on the issue requested by resolution 2303. That meeting was not scheduled, however, and the decision was taken to postpone it until after Burundi’s presidential elections, which were held on 20 May. A meeting was then scheduled to take place on 11 June, but with the sudden death of outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza, it was postponed until 22 June. The Council agreed press elements, taking note of the final results of the presidential and legislative elections and the “peaceful transition of power” after the sudden death of President Nkurunziza. Further, the Council stressed the importance of pursuing national unity, political inclusiveness and peacebuilding and encouraged all parties to continue to promote a peaceful atmosphere among all Burundians”. Finally, the Council “welcomed the commitment of the UN towards long-term stability and sustainable development in Burundi”. 

February 2020

On 26 February, Council members held an informal interactive dialogue on Burundi. Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Bintou Keita briefed on the situation in Burundi ahead of elections to be held on 20 May. Burundi was invited but did not attend. Kenya and Rwanda attended the meeting.

October 2019

On 30 October, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Michel Kafando and Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), the chair of the Burundi configuration of the PBC, briefed the Council on the Secretary-General’s report on Burundi.

August 2019

On 28 August, Michael Kingsley, Director of the Central and Southern Africa Division of the UN Department for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), the chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as representatives from neighbouring countries, participated in an informal interactive dialogue with Council members.

June 2019

On 14 June, Assistant-Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Oscar Fernandez-Taranco briefed the Council on the situation in Burundi. AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Smaїl Chergui (via video teleconference) and Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), the chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, also briefed. The meeting was followed by consultations.

February 2019

On 19 February, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Michel Kafando, briefed the Council on Burundi. Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), the chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, and Permanent Observer of the AU to the UN Fatima Kyari Mohammed also participated in the meeting, which was followed by consultations.  

November 2018

On 21 November, Michel Kafando, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Burundi, briefed the Council (S/PV.8408) on the latest report (S/2018/1028). Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s Burundi configuration, also briefed.

August 2018

On 9 August, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi Michel Kafando briefed the Council on the situation in Burundi. On 22 August, Council members issued a press statement reiterating their concern over the political situation, the slow progress of the inter-Burundi dialogue led by the East African Community, and the lack of engagement by the government in that regard. They also welcomed the announcement by President Pierre Nkurunziza that he will not seek another term in 2020.

May 2018

On 10 May, Special Envoy Michel Kafando briefed Council members on Burundi via video teleconference under “any other business”. On 24 May, Kafando and Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), the chair of the Burundi Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, briefed the Security Council on Burundi (S/PV.8268). The briefing was followed by consultations, where an OHCHR representative was present to answer questions.

February 2018

On 26 February, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Michel Kafando, briefed the Council on the Secretary-General’s latest report. The chair of the Peacebuilding Commission Burundi Configuration, Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland) also briefed the Council. After the briefing, the Council held consultations.

November 2017

On 20 November, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi Michel Kafando and the chair of the Peacebuilding Commission Burundi Configuration, Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), briefed the Council on the situation in Burundi (S/PV.8109). The briefing was followed by consultations.

August 2017

On 2 August, the Council adopted a presidential statement, expressing concern over the political situation and ongoing violence in Burundi and strongly urging the government and all parties to immediately cease and reject such violence. The Council further reiterated its full support to the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy in their efforts to engage the government of Burundi on the modalities of the implementation of resolution 2303.

July 2017

On 26 July, the Council received a briefing, followed by consultations, on the situation in Burundi from Special Envoy Michel Kafando and Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland, the chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s Burundi configuration.

June 2017

On 20 June, the Council was briefed on the situation in Burundi by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Tayé-Brook Zerihoun. The Permanent Representative of Switzerland, Jürg Lauber, also briefed in his capacity as chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s Burundi configuration. During his briefing, Zerihoun reported that the situation in Burundi remained volatile, human rights abuses continued to be reported, and there was increased incitement of hatred and violence by and within the Imbonerakure.

March 2017

On 9 March, the Council was briefed by Jamal Benomar, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, on his latest report on the situation in Burundi.Benjamin William Mkapa, East African Community facilitator of the Inter-Burundian Dialogue, and Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, also briefed the Council. The briefing was followed by consultations. On 13 March, Council members issued a press statement expressing their concern about the humanitarian and human rights situation in the country and the slow progress in the Inter-Burundian dialogue.

November 2016

On 8 November, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser, Jamal Benomar, briefed Council members in consultations on his recent meetings in the region and on the Secretary-General’s report on the situation in Burundi.

October 2016

The Secretary-General’s Special Adviser, Jamal Benomar, briefed Council members in consultations on 13 October before departing for the region. Council members issued a press statement the following day, calling on Burundi to cooperate with Benomar “to develop, in a consensual manner, a plan and timeline” for the implementation of resolution 2303 of 29 July.

July 2016

On 29 July, the Council adopted resolution 2303, establishing a UN police component in Burundi of 228 police officers for an initial period of one year to monitor the security and human rights situation in the country. The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps for the protection of the deployed UN personnel and facilities in consultation with Burundi and urged Burundi, to cooperate with the deployment and activities of the police component.

April 2016

On 1 April, the Council adopted resolution 2279 requesting the Secretary-General to provide options for a police component to increase UN presence in Burundi (S/PV.7664). The options were submitted on 15 April, and discussed by Council members under “any other business” on 27 April.

March 2016

On 18 March, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and Ambassador Jürg Lauber (Switzerland), chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, briefed the Council on the situation in Burundi. The Burundian Minister for External Relations and International Cooperation, Alain Nyamitwe, and Ambassador Tuvako Manongi (Tanzania) also addressed the Council.

February 2016

On 10 February, Council members were briefed by Special Adviser Jamal Benomar in consultations on the situation in Burundi. In late February, Council members negotiated a draft presidential statement that expressed the Council’s intention to strengthen the UN’s presence in Burundi.

December 2015

On 11 December, Council members were briefed in consultations under “any other business” by Special Adviser Jamal Benomar on the situation in Burundi. Council members also discussed Burundi under “any other business” on 14 December. On 19 December, Council members issued a press statement, noting the AU decision to deploy an African prevention and protection mission in Burundi, and called on all Burundian stakeholders to fully comply with it. The statement also highlighted the importance of UN contingency planning to develop options for the international community to respond to any further deterioration in the country.

November 2015

On 9 November, the Council was briefed by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman; High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein (via video teleconference from Geneva); Ambassador Jurg Lauber, the Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN and chair of the PBC’s Burundi Configuration (via video teleconference from Bujumbura); the Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng (via video teleconference from Jordan); and AU Ambassador to the UN Téte Antonio (S/PV.7553). On 12 November, the Council adopted resolution 2248, expressing its intention to consider additional measures against all Burundian who contribute to the perpetuation of violence. The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to update the Council within 15 days, including by presenting options on the future presence of the UN in the country. At press time, it seemed that update might be scheduled for 30 November.

October 2015

On 21 October, at the request of France, Council members were briefed in consultations on the situation in Burundi, by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman. On 28 October, the Council adopted a presidential statement taking note of the recent 17 October AU communique on Burundi (PSC/PR/COMM.(DLI)), expressing its concern about the growing insecurity in Burundi and continuing violence, condemning human rights abuses and calling for dialogue between all stakeholders.

August 2015

On 4 August, Council members issued a press statement condemning the killing of General Adolphe Nshimirimana in Bujumbura on 2 August and the violent attack on human rights activist Pierre Claver Mbonimpa on 3 August (SC/11996). Council members also expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Burundi and called on all political actors to resume an inclusive dialogue without delay. On 10 August, Council members were briefed in consultations on the situation in Burundi by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Tayè-Brook Zerihoun and Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Ŝimonović. On 28 August, at the request of France, the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Tayé-Brook Zerihoun briefed Council members on the political and security situation in Burundi under “any other business”, an update was also provided on the process to appoint a UN mediator.

July 2015

On 2 July, Council members were briefed in consultations under “any other business”, at the request of France, on the situation in Burundi following the controversial parliamentary and municipal elections. On 9 July, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Tayé-Brook Zerihoun and High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein briefed the Council, followed by consultations. Following the presidential elections of 21 July, Council members were briefed by Zerihoun and the Deputy Head of the UN Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi (MENUB), Issaka Souna, in consultations on 28 July. A report by MENUB had previously been circulated to the Council earlier in the month.

June 2015

Council members were briefed on Burundi on 4 June by the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes, Said Djinnit, and by Adama Dieng, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide. Djinnit updated Council members on the East African Community emergency summit on Burundi on 31 May in Dar es Salaam. Dieng briefed on his recent visit to the country, and warned that violence may escalate into an ethnic conflict. On 26 June, the Council adopted a presidential statement calling on the political parties in Burundi to participate in an inclusive dialogue in the “spirit of the Arusha Agreements and the Constitution” on what is needed to create conducive conditions for the elections.

May 2015

On 8 May, Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Said Djinnit briefed Council members in consultations via video teleconference on his mediation efforts between the government and the opposition in Burundi. In elements to the press, Council members expressed concern over the influx of refugees into neighbouring states and called on all sides to refrain from violence. On 14 May, Djinnit briefed Council members in consultations again after an attempted coup against Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza. Council members agreed on press elements that condemned attempts to sieze power unlawfully and called for the swift return of the rule of law and the holding of credible elections in the spirit of the Arusha Agreements. The next day, Council members issued a press statement calling for the establishment of a genuine dialogue between all Burundians to create the necessary conditions for credible elections (SC/11896). On 24 May, Council members issued another press statement condemning the killing of opposition leader Zedi Feruzi on 23 May in Bujumbura (SC/11905). On 27 May, Djinnit briefed Council members again in consultations via video teleconference on his latest mediation efforts.

April 2015

On 16 April, Council members were briefed in consultations by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Tayé-Brook Zerihoun on recent developments in Burundi. On 17 April, Council members issued a press statement, stressing that the government and political opposition should refrain from any acts of violence and intimidation before, during and after the upcoming elections (SC/11864). Council members further noted their intention to follow closely and to respond to any actions in Burundi that threaten the peace, security or stability of Burundi. On 29 April, Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Said Djinnit was expected to brief Council members under “any other business” via video teleconference from Bujumbura on the situation.

March 2015

Council members visited the Central African Republic (CAR), Burundi and the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa from 10 to 13 March (S/2015/162). Angola and France co-led the visit to CAR and Addis Ababa. The CAR visit assessed progress and challenges facing MINUSCA and gave Council members an opportunity to meet with the transitional authorities on the political process, including preparations for elections. In addition to their activities in Bangui, Council members went to Bria in eastern CAR to visit local authorities, civil society and ex-Séléka members. On 12 March, the Council held its Ninth Annual Joint Consultative Session Meeting with the AU Peace and Security Council. Following an additional week of negotiations, a communiqué on the joint session was issued (S/2015/212). Angola, France and the US co-led the Burundi visit where Council members met with MENUB, the UN Country Team, government officials, other political actors and civil society. The focus of these discussions was whether President Pierre Nkurunziza would seek a third term, which the opposition contests would violate the constitution and could lead to violence. In the meeting with Nkurunziza, Council members stressed that he take actions that ensure the country’s unity. France and Angola briefed the Council on the visiting mission on 18 March (S/PV.7407).

February 2015

On 18 February, the Council adopted a presidential statement marking the termination of the mandate of BNUB on 31 December 2014. The Council welcomed the significant progress achieved in Burundi while noting that several challenges remain to ensure that progress is not reversed, including reports of intimidation, harassment, political violence, arbitrary arrest and detention and other curtailments of the rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression of political actors. The Council also stressed the crucial need for a free, transparent, credible, inclusive and peaceful electoral process in 2015.

January 2015

On 21 January, the Council was briefed by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman on the final report of the Secretary-General on the UN Office in Burundi (S/2015/36), the mission’s mandate ended on 31 December 2014 (S/PV.7364). The chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission Paul Seger (Switzerland) also briefed the Council. The meeting was followed by consultations.

November 2014

On 5 November, the Council was briefed by Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, the head BNUB, and Paul Seger (Switzerland) who chairs the PBC Burundi configuration (S/PV.7295). Zacharie Gahutu of Burundi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also addressed the Council. The briefing was followed by consultations after which the president of the Council, Gary Quinlan (Australia), released elements to the press. He said that Council members are monitoring the situation in Burundi and are looking forward to the establishment of the electoral observer mission after BNUB’s drawdown on 31 December. He added that Council members encourage the government to create conditions for an inclusive electoral process and support the understanding reached with the government on the continued presence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Burundi after BNUB’s drawdown.

August 2014

On 6 August, the Council was briefed by the Special Representative and head of BNUB, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga on the latest BNUB report. Onanga-Anyanga expressed his continuing concern about deep political divisions in the country, the lack of political dialogue on major national issues and restrictive laws on freedom of expression. He added that preparations were underway to withdraw BNUB by 31 December.

July 2014

Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonović briefed Council members in consultations on 10 July on his 25-27 June visit to Burundi. Special Representative and head of BNUB, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, also briefed via video-teleconference. Addressing the Council, Šimonović expressed concern about politically motivated violent attacks by the Imbonerakure on political adversaries and the deep divide between political parties and that certain pieces of legislation could potentially shift political divisions back towards ethnic conflict if they were not implemented in an unbiased and fair manner. Onanga-Anyanga spoke about the need to maintain a monitoring role for the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights in Burundi following BNUB’s departure.

May 2014

On 14 May, the Council was briefed via video-teleconference by the Special Representative and head of BNUB, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, and by the chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Paul Seger (Switzerland). The Minister for Interior of Burundi, Edouard Nduwimana, also addressed the Council. Council members held consultations with Onanga-Anyanga following the briefing. 

April 2014

Council members were briefed on the situation in Burundi on 8 April by the head of the Department of Political Affairs, Under-Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman, who informed the Council about the recent reports of increased violent activities by the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the CNDD-FDD. Council members issued a press statement on 10 April, expressing concern over acts of intimidation, harassment and violence committed by youth groups in Burundi and calling for the government to hold the perpetrators accountable (SC/11350). The Council was briefed again in consultations on Burundi by Feltman, at the request of the US, on 24 April for an update on the situation on the ground.

March 2014

On 26 March, at the initiative of the US, Council members were briefed in consultations by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Tayé-Brook Zerihoun on the situation in Burundi.

February 2014

On 13 February, the Council adopted resolution 2137, extending the mandate of BNUB until 31 December 2014 (S/PV.7110). The Council also requested the Secretary-General to prepare BNUB’s transition and transfer of responsibilities to the UN country team by that date. 

January 2014

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of BNUB, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, and the chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Ambassador Paul Seger (Switzerland), briefed the Council on BNUB on 28 January (S/PV.7104). Onanga-Anyanga told the Council that the recommendation to extend the political presence in Burundi was based on the evaluation of peacebuilding benchmarks, and took into account the fact that a country team would not be able to absorb the mission’s tasks at that time. Burundi’s foreign minister also addressed the Council, stating that the UN country team could provide support for the June 2015 elections and so there was no justification to extend BNUB’s mandate.

July 2013

On 22 July, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of BNUB, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, and the head of the Peacebuilding Commission’s Burundi configuration, Ambassador Paul Seger (Switzerland), briefed the Council. Ambassador Herménégilde Niyonzima (Burundi) also participated. The briefings were followed by consultations.

February 2013

On 13 February, the Council adopted resolution 2090, extending the mandate of BNUB until 15 February 2014 (S/PV.6918). The Council requested the Secretary-General to provide a briefing by the end of July 2013 and a report by 17 January 2014 on the implementation of BNUB’s mandate.

January 2013

On 24 January, Special Representative and head of BNUB Parfait Onanga-Anyanga briefed the Council on developments and the Secretary-General’s latest report on BNUB. In his briefing, Onanga-Anyanga warned of the undermining effect that the distrust between the government and the opposition could have on holding successful elections scheduled for 2015. Chair of the PBC-Burundi configuration, Ambassador Paul Seger (Switzerland), also briefed the Council, noting the importance of BNUB’s presence in Burundi until 2015. Albert Nshingiro, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Burundi, told the Council that BNUB should be converted into a UN country team in 12 months. The briefing was followed by consultations.

July 2012

On 5 July, the Council heard a briefing by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and outgoing head of BNUB. The Chairperson of the Burundi PBC configuration also briefed. The briefing was followed by consultations attended by the Special Representative and Council members. On 26 July, the Council sent a letter to the Secretary-General, requesting data and assessments for each issue mentioned in the benchmarks, including observations on timing, trends and the role of BNUB in their implementation.

June 2012

On 7 June, the Secretary-General appointed Parfait Onanga-Anyanga (Gabon) as the new Special Representative and head of BNUB.

May 2012

On 10 May, the Secretary-General sent a letter to the Council with benchmarks and indicators for the future evolution of BNUB in the fields of security and stability, democratic process, transitional justice, governance and institution-building, rule of law, human rights, regional integration and social and economic development.

December 2011

On 20 December, the Council adopted resolution 2027, extending BNUB’s mandate until 15 February 2013 under the same terms as the previous mandate, stressing that BNUB should support Burundi’s efforts in the area of socioeconomic development. It requested that the Secretary-General update the Council by 31 May on the development of benchmarks for the evolution of BNUB into a UN country team presence and that a briefing be held in July. This followed a briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on 7 December, on the most recent Secretary-General’s report, which recommended that BNUB’s mandate be renewed at its current composition.

May 2011

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of BNUB briefed the Council.

February 2011

On 2 February, the Council held an “informal interactive dialogue” with the Chair of the Burundi configuration of the PBC and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

December 2010

The Secretary-General named Karin Landgren of Sweden as his special representative and head of the UN Office in Burundi (BNUB) on 31 December.  On 16 December, the Council adopted resolution 1959 to reconfigure BINUB into the new UN Office in Burundi (BNUB) with effect 1 Jan 2011. BNUB will have a scaled-down structure and mandate aimed to support democracy- and institution-building efforts and establish the foundations for sustainable development. On 9 December the outgoing head of BINUB briefed the Council on the Secretary-General’s latest report.

June  2010

On 23 June, the Council issued a press statement that called on all political stakeholders to participate fully in the elections and to respect the results of presidential elections to be held on 28 June. In those polls, President Pierre Nkurunziza was re-elected unopposed after opposition candidates boycotted the presidential elections because of allegations of fraud in local elections; EU observers have reportedly said that the elections met international norms.

May 2010

The Security Council was briefed on upcoming elections by BINUB’s head and representatives of Burundi and Switzerland (who chairs the PBC country-specific configuration for Burundi) on 10 May.

March 2010

The Secretary-General appointed Charles Petrie as the head of BINUB on 25 March.

January 2010

On 15 January, following unsuccessful attempts by the Secretary-General to convince the government to reconsider its request that the Secretary-General recall his Special Representative, the Secretariat briefed Council members in consultations.

December 2009

At the end of December, the government of Burundi requested that Youssef Mahmoud be recalled from his position as Executive Representative of the Secretary-General to Burundi and head of BINUB. On 17 December the Council adopted a resolution extending the mandate of BINUB until 31 December 2010. On 10 December the then-head of BINUB briefed the Council on the Secretary-General’s report on the country.

23 November 2009

Ambassador Maurer briefed the Configuration on his visit to Burundi and reported on the need to explore the idea of a long-term observation of the electoral process.

10 to 11 November 2009

Ambassador Peter Maurer, chair of the Burundi Configuration, visited Burundi to review the progress of peacebuilding and follow up on issues raised during the configuration’s October meeting.

3 September 2009

The Secretary-General wrote to the Council on the findings of the electoral needs assessment mission sent to Burundi.

29 July 2009

The Burundi Configuration completed its third semi-annual review of the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Burundi.

29 June 2009

The Permanent Representative of Switzerland, Ambassador Peter Maurer, took over as chair of the Burundi Configuration.

9 June 2009

The Council was briefed by Executive Representative of the Secretary-General and head of BINUB, Youssef Mahmoud.

25 to 27 May 2009

The then-chair of the PBC, Anders Liden, visited Burundi to assess progress in peacebuilding and identify key priorities for further engagement by including the elections in 2010.

10 April 2009

The FNL released 112 child soldiers. It also indicated that it would release 200 more in the near future.

8 April 2009

Ernest Manirumva, the vice-president of the anticorruption organisation, Anti-corruption and Economic Malpractice Observatory, was kidnapped from the Ministry of Agriculture where he also worked as a consultant and was later found stabbed to death in his home.

8 April 2009

The Burundian government and the FNL met in Pretoria, under the leadership of the South African facilitator (leading the regional peace initiative on Burundi and comprised of key countries including Burundi, Tanzania, South Africa and Uganda). The meeting resulted in a decision to establish a roadmap for the finalisation of the peace process.

6 February 2009

The PBC Burundi configuration held its second biannual review of the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Burundi and adopted recommendations (PBC/3/BDI/3)

9 January 2009

The Palipehutu-FNL changed its name to Forces nationales de liberation (FNL).

11 December 2008

The Council was briefed by Charles Nqakula, Facilitator of the Burundi Peace Process and Minister of Defence of South Africa. He told the Council that the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement should be fully in place by 31 December.

4 December 2008

The Burundian government and the last remaining major rebel group, Palipehutu-FNL (Parti pour la libération du peuple Hutu-Forces nationales de libération), signed an agreement at the Great Lakes Summit held in the Burundian capital Bujumbura. The government agreed to Palipehutu-FNL’s demand to release political and war prisoners and offered 33 positions to senior Palipehutu-FNL members in the organs of the state. Palipehutu-FNL dropped its longstanding demand that it be recognised as a political party under its existing name, and that the Burundian armed forces be disbanded and restructured.

17 July 2008

The PBC Organisational Committee elected Sweden to succeed Norway as chair of the Burundi country-specific configuration.

23 June 2008

The first biannual review of the progress and challenges to the Burundi Strategic Framework was held by the PBC, and recommendations of the review adopted (PBC/2/BDI/9).

11 June 2008

Talks were held between the Burundian government and FNL in Magaliesberg, South Africa, which resulted in the issuance of a declaration.

5 June 2008

The Constitutional Court decided that the ruling CNDD-FDD party could replace 22 of its MPs who had broken with the party leadership.

27 May 2008

The Burundi configuration of the PBC convened a thematic meeting on finding sustainable solutions to land issues, in light of the return of refugees from Tanzania to the country and the anticipated implications in terms of the need for additional resources to mitigate associated challenges.

26 May 2008

Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed between the Burundian government and the FNL.

10-15 May 2008

A delegation of seven members of the PBC’s Burundi configuration travelled to Burundi on a field mission to obtain first-hand information about the situation on the ground, especially on renewed hostilities between the Palipehutu-FNL and the National Defence Forces of Burundi, following attacks by the Palipehutu-FNL in April 2008 and the stalemate in parliament.

24 April 2008

The Council issued a statement expressing concern about the security situation in Burundi and its intention to consider “possible additional measures in support of peace and stabilty” in the country.

4 April 2008

The Supreme Court of Burundi sentenced former chairman of the CNDD-FDD paty, Hussein Rdjaba, to 13 years in prison for subversion.

9 March 2008

Simultaneous grenade attacks were carrried out against the homes of four parliamentarians who had defected from the ruling CNDD-FDD party.

27 and 28 February 2008

Ambassador Johan Løvald of Norway, chair of the PBC’s country-specific configuration for Burundi, visited Washington, D.C.  to discuss the priorities of Burundi with the Bretton Woods institutions and the US government.

February 2008

Forty-six Burundian opposition members wrote to the UN Secreatary-General requesting protection after receiving death threats and alleging a “death list” of 350 opposition members.

27 November 2007

The PBC finalised its Monitoring and Tracking Mechanism (PBC/2/BDI/4) for the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Burundi.

7 November 2007

First Deputy President Martin Nduwimana resigned to help further unravel the political deadlock.

25 October 2007

The Forces nationales de liberation attacked a position occupied by its splinter group in Bujumbura Rural Province.

28 September 2007

President Pierre Nkuranziza announced a power sharing agreement with rival parties.

Early September 2007

Fighting reported between the rebel Forces nationales de liberation fighters loyal to their leader, Agathon Rwasa, and those opposed to him in nothern suburbs of Bujumbura.

5-7 September 2007

Chairman of the Peacebuilding Commission’s country specific configuration on Burundi visited the country to follow-up on the situation on the ground.

13 August 2007

An informal consultation of the Burundi configuration of the PBC was convened to discuss the deteriorating political situation.

20 June 2007

The PBC endorsed the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Burundi.

17 June 2007

Talks were held between the President of Burundi and the leader of the Forces nationales de libération in Dar es Salaam in an attempt to break the deadlock concerning the implementation of last year’s comprehensive peace agreement.  Agreement was reached on the release of prisoners.

May 2007

During a May visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, the Burundian government agreed to the creation of a truth and reconciliation commission along with a tribunal to try people who committed atrocities during the civil war.

11-14 April 2007

A PBC delegation visited Burundi.

14-15 March 2007

A Burundi donors’ roundtable was held in Bujumbura.

January 2007

Five of seven suspects (including former President Domitien Ndayizeye) arrested in August for allegedly planning to kill President Pierre Nkurunziza and overthrow the government, were acquitted.

1 January 2007

BINUB commenced work.

November 2006

The Secretary-General in November released a report on Children and Armed Conflict in Burundi, which identified possible violators.

November 2006

Parliament granted provisional immunity to Forces nationales de liberation members with the exception of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

6 November 2006

The withdrawal of ONUB contingents was adjusted to allow them to assist with tasks of the Ceasefire Agreement with the Forces nationales de liberation, before the AU Special Task Force is put in place.

25 October 2006

The Council adopted resolution 1719 setting up UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB) and establishing its mandate.

13 October 2006

The Peacebuilding Commission discussed Burundi and recommended it for assistance from the Peacebuilding Fund which was launched on 11 October.

7 September 2006

The Government of Burundi and the Forces nationales de liberation signed the Dar-es-Salaam Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement heralding a possible end to thirteen years of civil war.

30 August 2006

The situation deteriorated when the Burundi government made accusations against acting Special Representative Nureldin Satti and requested his removal.

18 June 2006

The Government of Burundi and the Forces nationales de liberation signed the Agreement on Principles towards Lasting Peace, Security and Stability in Burundi.

June 2006

A Secretary-General’s report recommended the establishment of the UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB), in order to consolidate and reinforce the humanitarian and development activities of ONUB.

December 2005

The withdrawal of 40 percent of the UN troops began, following the Council’s decision to renew ONUB until 1 July 2006 in resolution 1650.

23 August 2005

Secretary-General Kofi Annan proposed a peacebuilding commission for Burundi to settle problems after the eventual withdrawal of ONUB.

19 August 2005

Pierre Nkurunziza was elected president.

28 February 2005

Referendum approved the Constitution.

1 November 2004

The constitution went into effect.

21 May 2004

Resolution 1545 created the UN Operation in Burundi (ONUB).

April 2003

The AU deployed the African Mission in Burundi (AMIB).

July 2002

South African former president Nelson Mandela failed to broker a peace accord.

2001

President Pierre Buyoya agreed to a ceasefire with Tutsi and Hutu insurgents.

1996

Pierre Buyoya staged a successful coup.

1994

Cyprien Ntaryarmira was appointed President, but was killed two months after taking office in a plane crash with Rwanda’s president sparking a wave of political violence.

Nov-Dec 1993

Between 30,000 and 50,000 people killed in ethnic massacres.

October 1993

Melchior Ndadaye was assassinated.

June 1993

Melchior Ndadaye elected president.

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