South Africa urges donors to reconsider Burundi aid cuts
December 19, 2015, 5:27 am

The EU, which funds about half the annual budget of Burundi, is also considering whether to limit its aid [Xinhua]

“We furthermore urge donor partners to reconsider their decision to cut funding as it will have a negative impact on the socio-economic situation and worsen the already high poverty levels amongst ordinary Burundians,” a Foreign Ministry statement said on Friday.

A draft budget passed by the Burundian cabinet last week shows the government expected aid grants will decline 44 per cent in 2016.

Former colonial power Belgium said in October it would halt some aid to the government of Burundi in protest at President Pierre Nkurunziza’s disputed third term. The EU and the US have imposed travel bans and asset freezes on some Burundian officials. Burundi gained independence from Belgium in 1962.

Belgian aid for Burundi was just under $55.8 million in 2013, most of it going directly to the state.

The EU, which funds about half the annual budget of Burundi, is also considering whether to limit its aid.

Some 100 people were killed during and after coordinated assaults on three military installations in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, on December 11.

“The South African Government continues to be deeply concerned over reports of increasing acts of violence and human rights violations in the Republic of Burundi, and notes that the ongoing instability has the potential to impact on the stability and security of the neighbouring countries in the East Africa region,” Pretoria said.

Burundi descended into bloodshed in April, when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his intention to run for a controversial third term, which he went on to win in July.

More than 400 people have died in the violence and 20,000 have fled their homes across borders to neighboring countries.

“South Africa calls for all the Burundian stakeholders to engage immediately in the all-inclusive dialogue, and for the urgent start of the mediation led by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, who was appointed by the East African Community (EAC),” the South African Foreign Ministry statement said.

“South Africa supports the urgent strengthening and increased deployment by the AU Peace and Security Council of military, human rights and police observers,” it added.

The African Union (AU) is set to send 5,000 peacekeepers to the violence-hit nation although the Burundi government has said it will consider such a move as an “attack”. The AU on Friday authorised a “African prevention and protection mission” in the country.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned Wednesday that Burundi “is on the brink of a civil war that risks engulfing the entire region.”

“South Africa as a former mediator in Burundi remains ready and will continue to support the people of Burundi to achieve stability and development,” the South African Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

TBP