Situation in Burundi

Mr. President, we believe that the December 3rd signing of a cease-fire agreement between the Forces for the Defense of Democracy faction, led by Pierre Nkrurunziza, and the Government of Burundi is a significant step towards achieving peace in Burundi. We would like to express our sincere and deep appreciation for the facilitation efforts led by South African Vice President Zuma, and conducted with the assistance of President Bongo of Gabon and President Mkapa of Tanzania. In addition, we would like to express our appreciation to the Regional Initiative, and its Chairman President Museveni of Uganda for their contributions to the peace process.

While we do not intend to diminish the achievements of the facilitation and the contributions of the Regional Initiative, we believe that despite the cease-fire agreement, the situation in Burundi still warrants close monitoring by the Security Council. Specifically, the Council should seek to encourage all parties to observe the provisions of the cease-fire agreement while remaining alert to any indicators that the situation is devolving toward a mass-killing scenario.

In addition, we remain concerned that the FNL [National Liberation Front], led by Agathon Rwasa, continues its campaign of violence, refuses to sign a cease-fire agreement, and remains outside of the Arusha process. We believe that the leaders of those armed groups that have remained outside of the process must face consequences -- and we support the call by President Museveni for regionally imposed sanctions.

Thank you, Mr. President.