Buyoya has been told he must talk to rebels before regional sanctions are lifted - which he has not complied with, but not ruled out. Ndiho dismissed claims by the government that its forces had seized large numbers of rebel weapons in an offensive in Kibira forest, northwest Burundi, a known rebel hideout. The failure of successive rains in the northeast has inhibited the regeneration of vegetation and led to water shortages for both humans and livestock. Water is scarce in the aridland of the northeast, and pans and dams are swiftly drying up, while boreholes are coming under pressure because of overuse and the inability of communities to afford diesel and spare parts. The lack of vegetation and water has lead to worsening livestock health and a dramatic fall in livestock prices, eroding the purchasing power of pastoralist communities.
Malnutrition is on the increase and there are growing concerns over the health of vulnerable groups.
The mission recommended an escalated relief programme to address the drought situation, including interventions in the food, water, health and livestock sectors. The team have also set forth recommendations to the Government of Kenya, including the lifting of the import tax on maize, road improvements before the onset of the next rainy season, and measures to subsidize communities' efforts to pay for the costs of food transport, health care and education during the crisis period. A full mission report will be made available to the donor community in the coming weeks. The material contained in this communication may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations or its agencies.