China says UN Security Council should remove Burundi from agenda

The United Nations Security Council should consider removing the question of Burundi from its agenda, said a Chinese envoy on Wednesday.

"The current situation in Burundi should be viewed objectively and impartially," said Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

File Photo of Wu Haitao (front), Chinese deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, addresses a Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria, at the UN headquarters in New York, February 26, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

"The government of Burundi has stated on many occasions that Burundi no longer poses a threat to regional peace and security, and therefore should not stay on the Security Council's agenda. The council should seriously heed the views of Burundi and make the necessary adjustments in a timely manner in accordance with the latest developments, so that it can concentrate its energy on emergency situations that endanger international peace and security," Wu said.

The current situation in Burundi is generally stable, Wu told the Security Council.

Preparations for the 2020 elections in Burundi have advanced steadily, and progress has been made for the return of refugees. The overall security situation has continued to improve. The government and people of Burundi have made achievements in peace and development, he said.

Wu asked the international community to respect the leadership of the Burundian government and people on the issue of elections. "As elections fall within the realm of internal affairs of a country, the international community should fully respect the choice of the Burundian government and people."

Members of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, Francoise Hampson of Britain, Commission President Fatsah Ouguergouz of France and Reine Alapini-Gansou of Benin attend a press conference on the commission's report on September 4, 2017 in Geneva. /AFP Photo

He asked the international community to continue to increase humanitarian and socio-economic assistance to Burundi. He expressed hope that the international community and international partners will honor their commitments to helping with the return of refugees in Burundi and with the country's socio-economic development.

Relevant international organizations and agencies should resume economic cooperation with and development aid to Burundi, he said.

China has always supported Burundi's peace process and rebuilding by providing within its capacity assistance in agriculture, education and infrastructure. China is willing to continue to contribute to Burundi's peace, stability and sustainable development, he said.

According to the Human Rights Watch, more than 400,000 Burundians fled their country following the violence that hit the country in 2015. They headed to neighboring countries including Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A Burundian refugee joins other refugees on a line in front of UNHCR registration desk during the April 2015 Burundian influx. / UN Photo

The Burundian government has said the security situation in the country is back under control following incidents of violence that arose ahead of the presidential election in 2015.

The violence was sparked by a declaration by President Pierre Nkurunziza that he would run for a third term, one which he went on to win in the July poll.

The country's opposition accused President Nkurunziza of going against the constitution by running for a third term, then rallied their supporters to the streets.

The repatriation of refugees comes ahead of a presidential election in Burundi scheduled for 2020, which the government has pledged will be free and fair.

While addressing the United Nations General Assembly last month, Burundi's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ezechiel Nibigira said there is an increasingly favorable climate for free, transparent and calm election.

(With input from Xinhua, Reuters)