Appeal Target: US$ 626,948

The aim of this ACT appeal from Burundi ACT members (Christian Aid, Lutheran World Federation, the Province of the Anglican Church of Burundi, Norwegian Church Aid and the National Council of Churches of Burundi) is to continue the humanitarian aid that is vital for saving lives and helping the most vulnerable people. This appeal will also focus on supporting the resettlement and stabilisation process by proving relief and recovery activities.

After twelve years of armed conflict, 2007 marks the real start of reconstruction and development efforts. While 2005 saw progress in the peace process in Burundi with the holding of the constitutional referendum, followed by general elections culminating in the inauguration of the new President, Pierre Nkurunziza, 2006 was a much more mixed year in political terms. Living conditions remain difficult after more than a decade of war and large-scale population displacements. The people have limited access to poor quality health services. The insecurity generated in previous years by the fighting has now given way to crime, as part of the population now has no occupation and the disarmament process has not produced the hoped-for results. The country is also vulnerable to the effects of regional pressures and instability. Just under 200 000 registered Burundian refugees remain in Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and are supposed to return home. At the same time, the situation in DRC has just come out of a delicate electoral process, which could also trigger an influx of Congolese to swell the ranks of those already in Burundi. Another stream of Rwandan asylum seekers, again fleeing their country in the wake of a crackdown by the Rwandan authorities, is also possible. Finally, on the basis of several needs assessments conducted individually by the ACT members will maintain their multi-sectorial response in 2007, ranging from emergency response to strengthened community-based recovery interventions in support of the most affected populations, including the reintegration of people returning from forced displacement.

Project Completion Date: 31 December 2007

Reporting Schedule:

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested:

 Signed by:

John Nduna
Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office