HIGHLIGHTS
Since the Secretary-General of the UN as well as the African Union High-level Delegation convened consultations with stakeholders involved in the crisis, little progress has been achieved in ensuring inclusive and transparent negotiations between members of the opposition and the Government.
On 8 March, the Burundian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) initiated the release of 2,000 prisoners as per the presidential decree signed on 23 February. The spokesperson for the MoJ noted that political prisoners would not benefit from the pardon and that those targeted were predominantly the elderly and the sick.
On 14 March, the EU suspended direct financial support to the Burundian Government. However, the EU will maintain its support to the population and to humanitarian aid.
Refugees continue to report insecurity, abductions, assassinations, physical and sexual abuse, extortion by the Imbonerakure as well as the deteriorating socio-economic situation as the main reasons for flight.
KEY FIGURES
253,670 New Burundian refugees in the neighbouring countries since the beginning of April 2015
FUNDING
USD 175.1 million requested for the situation for January-December 2016.
PRIORITIES
Tanzania: Expedite the establishment of the water network in Mtendeli and of the new Karago camp, located in the vicinity
Rwanda: Increase border monitoring and systematize screening procedures to reduce the risk of potential recruitment
DRC: Diversify and promote leisure activities in Lusenda to prevent the use of negative coping mechanisms
Uganda: Carry out malaria prevention