WRITTEN QUESTION E-0665/96 by Bernie Malone (PSE) to the Council (18 March 1996)

Subject: Situation in Burundi and Rwanda

What steps are being taken by the European Union to prevent the slide of Burundi into outright civil war?

Will the European Union investigate the possibility of introducing an arms embargo in the Great Lakes Region of Burundi?

Reply (25 June 1996)

In an effort to conribute to a resolution of the problems in the Great Lakes region, the Council decided on 29 January 1996 to appoint an EU Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region. On 26 February 1996, the Council appointed Mr Aldo Ajello as the Special Envoy for an initial period of six months and expressed its particular concern at the deteriorating situation in Burundi, stating that it would encourage reconciliation and dialogue in that country. The EU Special Envoy will support the efforts of the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity as well as those African personalities who are assisting the two organisations, in particular the former Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere. He will establish and maintain close contacts with the Governments of the countries of the region, as well as with other interested Governments and organisations to identify the measures which need to be taken towards solving the problems of the region. He will coordinate closely with the UN and OAU, regional leaders and other parties working towards the same objective. A Joint Action formalising the details of Mr Ajello's appointment was adopted by the Council on 25 March 1996.

From the outset of the crisis in the Great Lakes region, the European Union has engaged in a policy of preventive diplomacy and humanitarian assistance in an effort to alleviate the situation. To that effect, it adopted a Common Position on Burundi on 24 March 1995 (in which the EU declared itself ready to: assist the Government of Burundi to organise a national debate towards national reconciliation, support the sending of Human Rights observers by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, assist the judicial system, support the convening of a donors' Round Table to be organised by the UNDP, contribute to the implementation of the plan of action of the February 1995 Bujumbura Conference on refugees, displaced and repatriated persons, support the action of the OAU). Moreover, four EU missions went to Burundi between February 1995 and February 1996. The EU has repeatedly called for moderation. Since the outbreak of the crisis, more the ECU 500 million have been given in humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance as well as food aid from the Community budget in addition to the substantial support given by EU Member States bilaterally. Thus the European Union is the largest donor for the region.

The Troika, during its most recent mission to Burundi on 12 February 1996, expressed the EU's deep concern at the situation and reiterated the EU's condemnation of violence and rejection of attempts to undermine the current Government as well as the Convention of Government. It made clear that the European Union would not support any government which comes to power by force. The Troika also called for the army and the judiciary to be representative of all ethnic groups, and for all young people to have equal access to university regardless of their ethnic background.

The Troika reminded its interlocuters that the EU was, and is, the main donor of humanitarian assistance in the region and that a transition to a more structured cooperation with the EU would depend on concrete and successful steps towards peace and reconciliation. It also warned that, if the situation continued to worsen, the EU was ready to take appropriate measures such as those indicated in UN Security Council Reconciliation 1040.

The Troika called upon the authorities of Burundi to take action with a view to a prompt resolution of the refugee problem, by implementing measures aimed at eliminating fear and restoring confidence. (A substantial part of the more than ECU 500 million spent in the Great Lakes region out of the Community budget for humanitarian, food and rehabilitation assistance since the outbreak of the crisis have been directed towards the alleviation of the plight of the refugees).

The Union has repeatedly supported the proposals for a Regional Conference on Peace, Security and Stability to be held under the auspices of the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity in order to find a global solution to the crisis. During its visit, the Troika asked the Government of Burundi to act positively to reach this end.

As reiterated in its declaration of 16 January 1996, the European Union remains ready to assist the reestablishment of Burundi in particular by supporting measures, favouring peace and reconciliation between the different groups, which would have to be implemented by the authorities of Burundi. It recalled that only through political solutions would a permanent end to the conflict be brought about.

The Council continues to follow the situation in Burundi very closely and will determine its further course of action accordingly.