OCHA Situation Report
Burundi
5 - 11 May 2003


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Humanitarian Activities

1. Assistance to vulnerable populations in Ruyigi

Concerned by the difficult situation faced by thousands of people in
Ruyigi province UNICEF, in collaboration with OCHA (Inter-agency Office in
Ruyigi), Action Aid and the local NGO Maison Shalom, will assist 23,254
households (116,270 people) in Ruyigi Province through the distribution of
non-food items.  Distribution commenced this week in Butezi, Bweru and
Ruyigi communes and will continue in Kinyinya and Butaganzwa the coming
weeks.  The distribution plan also includes 8,903 households (44,515
people) in Nyabitsinda commune and will be implemented as soon as access
is ensured.

2. Burundians return home

Since May 1st, more than 1000 refugees entered Burundi via the Gisuru
border and arriving at the Nyabitare Transit camp (Ruyigi Province) from
camps in Kibondo district, Western Tanzania.  The returnees are being
registered by UNHCR, PAFE (Ministry of Interior) and Ministry of
Reinsertion when they arrive at the transit centre.  There are 16
unaccompanied minors (UAM) among the returnees.  As an emergency measure
UNICEF will distribute a three-day ration of high protein biscuits (BP5)
to the children in the camp and blankets to the unaccompanied minors in
order to meet their most basic needs while they await further assistance.  
WFP is examining a food distribution in the coming days.  The national
human rights group (NGO) Ligue Iteka, is monitoring the protection of the
returnees in Gisuru commune.  A Joint HCR-OCHA-IRC assessment mission to
Tanzanian refugee camps is scheduled in the last week of May.

3. IMF approves US$ 13 million in post-conflict emergency assistance for
Burundi

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved Monday [5 May] a second
drawing of SDR 9.625 million (US$ 13 million) in post-conflict emergency
assistance for Burundi to support the government's reconstruction and
economic recovery program.  This program continues to address the
immediate needs of security, humanitarian aid, and the rehabilitation of
basic infrastructure, as well as improve the macroeconomic environment.

4. Returnees as at 28 April 2003

UNHCR report 8,926 facilitated and 7,880 spontaneous returnees.  Total:
16,806 Y.T.D.


Security

5. Fighting continues in northwestern and central Burundi

Fighting in Ndubura area, Rugazi Commune (Bubanza Province), between
CNDD-FDD rebels and the Government [5 May] resulted in small number of
causalities on both sides.  According to the military, the incident
occurred when rebels attacked the military position in Ndubura.  The
rebels withdrew to the Kibira Forest.  Clashes were also reported on 5 May
in Kabanga, Giheta Commune (Gitega Province).  Rebel sources say up to 20
civilians, accused of collaborating with the FDD, were arrested by the
Army.

6. General

- Bururi Province, Rumonge Commune: Car ambush by armed gunmen 2 km from
Mugara zone.  One solider killed and occupants belongings stolen [4 May].

- Ntaryumunyu rebels (Dissident group from Agathon Rwasa's Palipehutu-FNL)
ambushed 4 May two vehicles on the Bujumbura-Cibitoke road (RN5).
Passengers' clothes and goods looted.  The RN5 was closed for six hours.

- Bubanza Province, Musigati Commune: Fighting reported [5 May].

- Kayanza Province, Kabarore Commune: Six armed bandits arrested [6 may].

- Burundi Army says it is holding war prisoners.  Three members of the JPH
movement (Hutu Patriotic Youth) - a movement allied to the PALIPEHUTU-FNL
(Agathon Rwasa), have been detained.

- A grenade was thrown into a bar in Gitega Province, injuring four people
[7 May].


Political

7. Regional peacekeeping summit called

On Thursday [8 May] Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni invited regional
heads of state and government to attend a summit on the political
transition and deployment of a peacekeeping force in Burundi.  No date has
been set for the proposed meeting.

8. President meets leaders of rebel factions

President Domitien Ndayizeye met on Saturday [3 May] with Jean-Bosco
Ndayikengurukiye (CNDD-FDD) and Alain Mugabarabona (FNL-Palipehutu).  The
talks centred on the integration of the two groups in various state
institutions.

9. President announces new Cabinet

Only three changes to Government's ministerial line-up: Mr Cyrille
Hicintuka (FNL, Mugabarabona wing), Civil Service Minister; Mr Rodolf
Baranyizigiye (FROLINA), Youth and Sports Minister, and Mr Gaspard Kobako
(FDD, Jean-Bosco Ndayikenrugukiye wing), Public Works Minister.  The CNDD
(National Council for the Defence of Democracy, Léonard Nyangoma wing) and
RPB (Rally for the People of Burundi) each lost a Ministry.  The PL
(Liberation Party) lost the only position it occupied.  Representatives of
the CNDD and RPB said they were against FRODEBU's unilateral decision, not
the newly appointed per se.  Commenting on the changes within the
transitional government former president Bagaza, a day after the lifting
of a suspension on PARENA party activities [7 May], held a news conference
[8 May] declaring "no real change".

10. Latest Events

Ms Marie Thérèse Keita Bocoum, UN Special Envoy for Human Rights to
Burundi, arrived in Bujumbura [11 May] on an eight-day visit.

Mrs Maggy Barankize, accompanied with three children of the Maison Shalom
(Ruyigi Province) received from the Queen of Sweden US$100,000 Award in
Stockholm.

Press World day celebrated:  According to the General Director of news
press agency, Mr Evode Ndayiziga, national realities are almost forgotten
in Burundian media.

The suspension of the PARENA party's activities has been lifted [7 May]
according to the Minister for Interior and Public Security, Mr Salvator
Ntihabose, citing the party's "good behaviour".


Coordination

11. Contact group meeting (for the Minutes access: www.ochaburundi.org)

Chaired by Mr Antoine Gerard (OCHA, Head of office), 40 attendees [7 May].

Mr Sebastien Fesneau (IRC) presented the Bururi Province Focal Point
Minutes [19 February].

12. GTS meeting

Chair: Mr Antoine Gerard, GTS Co-President [14 April].  Training workshop
discussed regarding standardisation of the diffusion of the Guiding
Principles on Internal Displacement.


For Information

Nicholas McGowan
Head of Information
OCHA Burundi
PH: (257) 951 681
Email: mcgowann@un.org


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