Bujumbura, 31 May 2021 – The Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, Huang Xia, presided over the ceremony that saw the official closing of the Office of the Special Envoy for Burundi on Monday, 31 May. Several officials, including from Government and other UN entities, as well as representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, and members of the diplomatic community witnessed the event, which took place in the country’s capital Bujumbura.

The Office closed following an assessment by the UN Security Council in December 2020, which noted the improved security situation in Burundi and requested the Secretariat to cease its periodic reporting on the country. The authorities welcomed the news and vowed to refocus the country’s attention on the socio-economic aspects of its development. Furthermore, the Security Council underscored the importance of continued support to Burundi as it embarks on the next stage of its life. To that end, the United Nations will continue working in close coordination with international, regional, and other partners, in support of the Government’s efforts and its people towards consolidating social cohesion, stability and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Burundi.

“The Office of the Special Envoy for Burundi is leaving, but the UN family and Burundi remain committed to enhancing their cooperation, building on the progress achieved, mainly through the UN Country Team, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator,” Special Envoy Xia said.

The Office was established in 2015 to provide peacebuilding support, including through good offices in support of the Government and the people of Burundi. This was done in cooperation with the East African Community (EAC), the African Union (AU) and other partners.