19 April 2008
A delegation from the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, set up to help prevent post-conflict countries from sliding back into war and misrule, travels today to Burundi on a six-day mission to examine how to help the struggling African nation move forward.
The eight-member delegation is expected to meet with Burundian Government officials, representatives of regional groups such as the African Union and the Conference on the Great Lakes Region, civil society, women's groups, the media, religious leaders, human rights advocates, members of the private sector and others.
In a statement the commission said the team aims to make a first-hand assessment of the situation on the ground by Burundi, where a comprehensive ceasefire agreement was signed in 2006 after years of civil war but sporadic fighting has continued.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement yesterday voicing concern over the latest developments after an outbreak of deadly fighting between Government forces and members of the rebel Palipehutu-FNL group in and around the capital, Bujumbura, this week.
The delegation is also hoping to review the preparations made so far by Burundi since the Peacebuilding Commission agreed to take on the country as one of its areas of focus.
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