Political space and socio-economic situation worsening in Burundi, Dutch diplomat says

“I noted concerns about the political space, the deterioration of the socio-economic situation and the impunity of serious crimes. I will brief the Dutch government on my observations, “said yesterday, Robert-Jan Siegert, Dutch Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region.

Robert-Jan Siegert, Dutch Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region: “We must also promote the climate of investment”

Appointed in November 2017, this Dutch diplomat made his first visit to Burundi from 5th to 7 February. He said the purpose of his visit was to be aware of the real situation in Burundi and better understand the challenges that Burundians are facing in order to effectively support the efforts they make to solve their problems.

“We are also here to see if there are other things that can be done by donors to provide effective support to Burundi for the benefit of the people,” he said adding that he has held discussions with many Burundi personalities namely political actors, government members, members of the opposition, representatives of NGOs, UN agencies and other partners operating in the development domain.

He said that during the discussions with members of the Government of Burundi, he told them that the door is open for a constructive dialogue between both countries to finding ways to improve the socio-economic and political situation in Burundi.

Burundi has plunged into the crisis since 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for the presidential election. Some members of the civil society and political opposition accused him of violating the Burundi Constitution and the Arusha Peace Agreement signed in 2000 to put an end to a civil war that erupted in 1993.

“We are convinced that the Arusha Agreement remains the basis for stability in Burundi and that the only way to move towards an opening of a political space remains the dialogue process under the auspices of the East African Community, Siegert says.” We must also promote a climate of investment,” he adds.

The cooperation relations between Burundi and Holland have existed since 2008. Currently, the average Dutch bilateral contribution to Burundi is 37.5 million euro per year (around BIF 75 billion).