Norwegian development aid to Burundi for 2009 totals NOK 125,766,000. Our contribution to the government of Burundi is divided between 1) budget support (NOK 60 million), 2) support to demobilisation, reinsertion and reintegration of ex-combattants (NOK 20 million) and 3) support to the electoral process (NOK 10 million). The budget support and the DRR grant is channeled through the World Bank, and the election support through a basket fund in UNDP. In addition, Norway contributes to the work in Burundi conducted by Norwegian and international NGOs in the field of peace building and conflict management, women’s empowerment and participation in the peace process, as well as the fight against sexual and gender based violence. Norway also supports work with refugees and repatriated Burundians. This work is conducted by NGOs such as ACCORD, Right to Play and Interpeace/CENAP (peace building), International Alert, CARE and Norwegian Church Aid (women’s empowerment and fight against SGBV) and, last but not the least, the Norwegian Refugee Council that runs all four refugee camps in Burundi and also works with repatriated Burundian refugees.
Norway has provided budget support to Burundi since 2007 with the objective to assist the Government of Burundi (GoB) in covering its recurrent costs, such as salaries of government employees. This has been done on the basis of an understanding that the Burundian government will show real commitment to the reconstruction of the country, including the promotion of peace, stability and reduction of poverty. Norway has also made it clear to the GoB that Norwegian support is only given to countries where there is an improvement in the human rights situation, and were measures against corruption are taken.
Norway expects Burundi to offer basic social services to its population, and strongly encourages the government to promote dialogue between alle political parties, and leave political space for the opposition, so that all can prepare for the elections in 2010 without undue interference and without fear.
Until July 2008, Norway chaired the Burundi configuration of the UN Peace Building Commission in New York. Norway also contributed considerably to the UN Peace Building Fund.
Norway is committed to assisting Burundi for years to come, but it is expected that the GoB fulfils its part by promoting an enabling environment for democracy, peace, stability and development. This means reducing poverty, security for all, functioning administrative institutions where corruption is sanctioned, as well as a democratic system where all political parties are free to operate, and not the least – free, transparent and fair elections in 2010 .