CM/Res.1560 (LXI)
RESOLUTION ON BURUNDI
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Sixty-first Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 23 to 27 January, 1995,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Burundi, as contained in document CM/1861 (LXI),
Having taken Note of the efforts made by the political forces and the civil society in Burundi to revive the state institutions,
Having heard the statement of the Minister of External Relations and Co- operation of Burundi and expressing satisfaction with the progress achieved namely: the signing of the Government Convention on 10 September, 1994 and the election of H.E Mr Sylvestre NTIBATUNGANYA as President of the Republic, the formation of a Coalition Government and the establishment of other State institutions,
Commending the efforts made by the OAU to assist Burundi in regaining peace, confidence and stability,
Concerned about the state of persistent uncertainty prevailing in Burundi caused mainly by activities of armed gangs and assassination organized by some extremist groups, the alarming situation of the displaced persons within Burundi, and the condition of the Burundian refugees in the neighbouring countries,
Recalling the decision taken by the Central Organ of the Mechanism for Conflicts Prevention, Management and Resolution to renew the mandate of OMIB for a period of three months starting from 17 December 1994,
Fully aware of the need for an OAU presence in Burundi to assist Burundi in its efforts to regain peace, national reconciliation and to focus on reconstruction:
TAKES NOTE of the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Burundi;
EXPRESSES SATISFACTION at the progress achieved in the peace process in Burundi;
PAYS TRIBUTE to the Current Chairman of the OAU and congratulates the OAU Secretary-General on efforts made by them to promote dialogue and national reconciliation in Burundi;
EXTENDS ITS GRATITUDE to those countries which have sent troops to Burundi and EXPRESSES SATISFACTION with the arrival in Burundi of additional officers from Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to strengthen the military component OMIB;
EXPRESSES ITS GRATITUDE to the Secretary-General of the OAU for the active role being played by OMID and ASSURES him of its support in the pursuit of the activities likely to restore peace, confidence and stability in Burundi;
EXPRESSES its profound gratitude to OAU Member States as well as the International Community in particular the states which have provided or pledged to provide assistance for the establishment and operations of OMIB;
COMMENDS the Governments and peoples of the countries of the sub-region for their contribution to the search for a solution to the crisis and for offering asylum and assistance to refugees from Burundi and the UNHCR, ICRC and
Non-Governmental Organizations for the humanitarian assistance extended to the displaced persons and the refugees;
RENEWS ITS APPEAL for an urgent and increased humanitarian assistance to displaced persons in Burundi and Burundian refugees in the neighbouring countries;
ENCOURAGES the political forces, the Civil Society and the entire Burundian people to continue to demonstrate wisdom, tolerance and self-control to ensure the success of the process of the return of peace and security for the benefit of all;
CONDEMNS all kinds of extremist groups and APPEALS to the international community to cooperate with the investigation process on the 21 October 1993 coup d’etat and the ensuing massacres;
REQUESTS the Secretary-General of the OAU to monitor the situation in Burundi and report on both the situation and the activities of OMIB to the next Session of the Council.