Topic: Situation in Burundi
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Eric Payerle
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Venezuela position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
The situation in Burundi is growing more chaotic as fighting between various factions is creating increasing amounts of displaced persons. These people often flee from Burundi and place strain on the surrounding nation's. This is contributing to growing instability in the region. All of this stems from the factions fighting for control of Burundi’s government after President Pierre Nkurunziza’s reelection. Last December, the African Union Peace and Security council suggested sending in a force of 5,000 peacekeepers to help control the situation. The Burundian parliament rejected the force saying it would be seen as a foreign invasion and AU held back the troops not wanting to set a precedent of international intervention. We are now left with an increasingly chaotic and unstable situation.
The most important concern is the stability of the region. With the region stabilized local governments will be able to begin helping displaced persons. Stability will allow for growth and development of infrastructure. As we become a more connected society the smallest events can create ripples around the world. The instability that is developing in Burundi and the surrounding region will have negative a negative impact on the global community if it continues to worsen. Who knows how it will impact the markets or how the refugees fleeing violence will affect the economies and infrastructure of the nations they flee to. This is why Venezuela believes this issue is important. We must act now to help prevent the spread of instability throughout the international community.
It is important to Venezuela that this issue be resolved with utmost respect for national sovereignty and without setting precedents for excessive foreign intervention. In this spirit we support the sentiments of the African Union and Burundian parliament. Venezuela chose to abstain on a previous vote about sending a police force to monitor Burundi elections in 2015 because of the Burundian government’s opposition to said police force. We must respect the sovereignty of Burundi and not take any action that would serve to impede dialogue between the coalitions within parliament. Venezuela is not opposed to providing aid to displaced persons in the region or helping promote dialogue between the factions in the area, but any action taken by the international community must be done in accordance with the wishes of all nations involved. We must allow these nations to work towards true stability by developing their own regional dynamics and partnerships instead of relationships that are fabricated by the international community. It is only with the utmost respect of the national sovereignty of all the nations involved, specifically Burundi, that any action taken can truly solve this issue.
