Embassy News 

The United States Pledges Strong Support for Burundi

In conjunction with the Partner Roundtable, hosted by the government of Burundi, the United States signaled its intention to nearly triple assistance to Burundi.  The head of the U.S. delegation, Walter North, expressed the American government’s pleasure in solidifying its direct, bilateral relations and increasing support for the people of Burundi.

In strategic coordination with Burundi’s Priority Action Plan for Implementation of the Strategic Framework for the Fight Against Poverty (CSLP) 2007-2010, the U.S. assistance funding is targeted toward the areas of good governance, health, HIV/AIDS, economic growth, education, and security sector reform.

The proposed assistance level of 9.8 million USD for 2007 represents an increase over the development funding levels for 2006; however, this figure does not include emergency food and disaster assistance programming that totaled 17 million USD in 2006.  In addition, President George Bush has requested, subject to the approval of the U.S Congress, and aid package of 28.5 million USD for 2008, an amount which would nearly triple current U.S. investment levels.

The United States also announced the government’s intention to establish an African Development Foundation (ADF) office in Burundi toward the end of 2007.  The ADF will focus on expanding opportunities and generating income in the small and medium enterprise development sector.

During the Roundtable donor declarations, Mr. North, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Africa, emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to addressing the needs of Burundi’s most vulnerable citizens.  He commended the government of Burundi’s resolve and commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of its people and reaffirmed the American government’s willingness to undertake critical developmental work in full partnership with the people of Burundi.