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Burundi
>> Regional Overview >> Burundi Overview
Previous Years' Activities
2002
Last updated: 19
THE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE: The signing of the Arusha Peace Accord, brokered by Nelson Mandela, in August 2000, and the installation of a Transitional Government on November 1, 2001, offer some hope for ending the conflict between Burundi's Tutsi and Hutu communities and fostering stability in the Great Lakes region. However, two main Hutu rebel groups have not yet joined the peace process, and the lack of a cease-fire hampers implementation of the accord. Reconciliation thus constitutes a major challenge. Associated with this process are several urgent needs: reform of the army; demobilization of combatants; the reintegration of refugees, the internally displaced, and ex-combatants; the expansion of and equitable access to economic opportunity and civil liberties, especially for women; improvement of the justice system; and resolution of land tenure issues.
The population of Burundi is 6.6 million; 1.2 million are displaced persons or refugees. 230,000 children are AIDS orphans. Debt service requirements and economic revitalization constitute other key challenges. Burundi's 2001 per capita gross domestic product was $180, external debt in November 2001 was $1.2 billion, and debt service requires 60% of national expenditures. Revitalization of the agricultural sector will also be a major task. Ninety percent of the population survives on subsistence farming on small, degraded plots, making it difficult for families to sustain themselves. In the context of conflict and recurrent drought, serious food insecurity and nutritional stress exist in several provinces. Ninety percent of export earnings come from coffee, but low international prices and the lack of foreign exchange to import agricultural tools jeopardize the sector.
Health status continues to deteriorate. The incidence of malaria and tuberculosis is increasing, life expectancy is decreasing, maternal mortality is rising, and infant mortality has increased to 136 per 100,000. The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is estimated to be 11.3% (20% in towns and cities, 7.5% in rural areas). HIV/AIDS has orphaned 230,000 children.
Ethnic conflict in Burundi has been a central factor in the continuing instability in the Great Lakes region. It is in the U.S. national interest to ensure respect for human rights and reductions in the need for humanitarian assistance by encouraging a return to peace in Burundi and throughout central Africa.
THE USAID PROGRAM:
FY 2002 Estimate: $3.5 million FY 2003 Request: $4.0 million The Program Data Sheet covers the special objective for which USAID is requesting funds. Projects will focus on: promoting among Burundians the principles of peace and reconciliation between the two ethnic groups, including efforts to enhance ownership and involvement in the peace process, which has been confined to the "political elite", by all Burundians; addressing the roots of conflict through justice and good governance, and fundamental reforms of the military, including incorporation of Hutus as 50% of the officer corps, and demobilization; empowering a nascent civil society and partnership with civil authorities; helping Burundians displaced by the conflict reintegrate into their communities; and contributing to the restoration of the agricultural and health sectors in ways which promote greater economic and social equity, and an appropriate role for the private sector.
Three new activities are planned for FY 2002. These will: 1) promote agricultural revitalization in food insecure provinces; 2) help orphans and war victims; and 3) support the Peace Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee. USAID's strategy on Burundi will evolve as the peace accord is implemented. FY 2003 funds are likely to be used to expand FY 2002 activities nationwide; reinforce scheduled activities of the transition, including elections; provide incentives for the reintegration of displaced people and ex-combatants; continue to advance peace and reconciliation; provide legal aid to vulnerable people; and combat HIV/AIDS in the rural areas through social marketing, education, and training of health workers.
OTHER PROGRAM ELEMENTS: Throughout the transition period, USAID will provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable communities throughout Burundi. U.S. food assistance also targets vulnerable groups. Using Economic Support Funds (ESF) under the Great Lakes Justice Initiative, USAID works to strengthen democratic institutions by supporting: an independent radio production of programs that contribute to public awareness of democracy and rule of law; a women's center which works with local human rights groups on women's issues; and efforts by civil society organizations to increase activities in the justice sector. Regional or USAID/Washington support of HIV/AIDS programs is possible, as methods of providing HIV/AIDS assistance are reviewed.
Donor pledges to support the Peace Process in Burundi totaled $830 million at the 2001 Geneva Conference. OTHER DONORS: The United States and Belgium are Burundi's major bilateral donor partners. France and Britain jointly fund HIV/AIDS activities with USAID. Other important bilateral donors include: Austria (water, sanitation and human rights), Germany (debt relief, conflict mitigation and prevention, democracy and health), and Italy (emergency assistance, HIV/AIDS, water and sanitation). Key multilateral donors are the World Bank and the European Community. The UNDP and UNICEF also provide important assistance. Donor activities are coordinated through bi-monthly meetings. USAID coordinates HIV/AIDS activities with the French and British.
Program Data Sheets
- 654-005 Foundation for a Peaceful Transition in Burundi Established
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Last Updated on: May 29, 2002 |
