§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent military activity there has been in Burundi; and what contribution the British Government are making to both humanitarian assistance and diplomatic endeavours to ensure peace and political development.
§ Mr. BaldryThe situation in Burundi remains stable but tense. We are not aware of any recent major military activity, although there have been reports of isolated incidents within the country, with the military attempting to disarm militant groups at the request of the new Government.
Since the abortive coup in 1993, the British Government have provided £1.79 million bilaterally to NGOs and UN organisations in Burundi. The UN Centre for Human Rights has a technical assistance programme in Burundi, to which the United Kingdom has contributed £100,000. The centre is now looking at ways to strengthen and expand its office there.
The UN is actively considering how best to increase international assistance to Burundi and the United Kingdom supports its proposal to hold an international conference in the region to discuss refugee problems.