Since the signing of the Arusha Agreement in 2000, Burundi has improved its political, social and economic stability. While the peace process has taken several years to achieve, it boasts a multiparty approach and the chance to rebuild the country’s political institutions after a thirteen-year civil war. The country is now preparing for its second presidential elections in May 2010. In this regard, the recent creation of the independent electoral commission is a positive development.

Burundi has made progress at demobilizing and re-integrating ex-combatants and repatriating refugees. However, the country still faces daunting peace-building and development challenges to improve security and governance, rebuild a severely damaged economic structure, stimulate and sustain economic growth, and reduce poverty. To achieve these goals Burundi will need the long-term support of the international community.

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Promoting Economic Growth - August 2009 (PDF)