Burundi

In 2010, Burundi completed its second round of national elections following the 2000 Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Accords that provided a negotiated settlement to the nation’s long-standing civil war. Domestic and international observers judged the elections to be free and fair, but the challenge of democratic consolidation remains critical—as does the need to demonstrate peace dividends to a population that is poorer today than when the conflict began in 1993. Significant USAID engagement with the Government of Burundi and civil society stakeholders remains vital to accelerating social service delivery, consolidating peace and security, advancing the democratization process, and rebuilding the country’s economy.