Topic: Situation in Burundi
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Olivia Decker
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Egypt position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
The unfortunate situation of Burundi has caught the attention of Egypt as well as all the countries of the United Nations, and the problems surrounding it have become top priority to solve. Being that it is a country of Africa, Egypt has a special sympathy for the issues Burundi is currently facing. We are especially concerned about the refugees that are being forced to flee their homes and country at the hands of militant groups such as the National Liberation Front (FNL) and the Republican Forces of Burundi (FOREBU) as well as the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the president’s party, who has become a militia within the country, threatening to and actually killing those who did not support President Nkurunziza.
Our primary concern revolves around the refugees fleeing the country, where they will go, and how we can secure their safety. Currently, they are taking shelter in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, all surrounding counties of Burundi. Egypt believes we should take a similar response approach as done in the Burundi Regional Refugee Response Plan. Protection from militant groups, specifically the FNL, who has been recruiting from refugee camps, is a top priority, as well as promoting education among minors so to avoid future situation such as this one. To prevent strain on resources of the countries that are graciously accepting refugees, the Security Council must develop a resolution that addresses this issue thoroughly.
The second priority Egypt would like to address is promoting negotiation amongst the different political groups of Burundi, namely CNARED and CNDD-FDD. We cannot attempt to negotiate with the militant groups, only dissolve them through education of Burundi’s youth and protection of their people. Clearly these militant groups have become a serious problem, and, while it is not our place to physically intervene in Burundi, we must create a resolution that promotes further security in the region and protects their people as well as the justice of their political processes.
Because Burundi can unfortunately not join us in Security Council, Egypt is prepared to be a voice for their wishes in committee as a member of the African Union, along with the other African countries joining us. We have experience with internal problems, and, while we are developing, we can sympathize with Burundi’s current issues, and understand the best ways to solve these problems. Our relationship with Burundi is strong, we are currently sending them medical equipment to help their people.
The delegate of Egypt is prepared to be a member of the Security Council and solve this prominent issue. We are confident in the abilities of the council to develop a strong plan. I am sure we can restore the safety and security of Burundi and its government.
