HIGHLIGHTS
The Summit of Heads of States of the East African Community (EAC) was convened in Dar-es-Salaam on 31 May; however Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza did not take part. At the conclusion of the regional summit, the leaders stated they were “concerned about the impasse in Burundi” and called for a postponement of elections for at least 45 days. Burundi’s government has yet to officially announce whether parliamentary and presidential elections will be postponed. They are scheduled to take place on 5 and 26 June respectively.
The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Mr. Adama Dieng, concluded a two-day visit to Burundi on 31 May. Mr Dieng met with President Nkurunziza and emphasized the importance of ensuring respect for fundamental human rights and the rule of law particularly during this tense and volatile period. Mr. Dieng also warned of “increased tensions and the risk of further violence” if all parties are not engaged in open dialogue to resolve the crisis.
On 1 June, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Stephen O’Brien, announced the release of USD 15 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to provide for life-saving assistance for Burundian refugees in Rwanda and Tanzania, where the majority of refugees so far, over 80,000, have fled. Approximately USD 7.5 million will be allocated to various aid agencies in Tanzania and nearly USD 8 million will go to towards increasing assistance in Rwanda.