Security Sector Reform (SSR) is an important factor in the effort to consolidate peace in Burundi.  The Arusha Agreement (2000) itself makes reference to security sector reform by calling for “the security of all citizens” and for “the protection of the inalienable rights of the human person”.  Thus, SSR remains a critical element in the quest for lasting peace in the country.

Security Council Resolution 2303 (2016) directs the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General to Burundi (OSESG-B) to work with the parties in the country to “develop confidence building measures to improve the human rights and security situation and foster an environment conducive to political dialogue.”

Security Sector Reform offers an opportunity to redefine the social contract by putting security and the rule of law (RoL) at the core of national priorities for the state and for the people.  To that end, the SSR and RoL Unit in OSESG-B not only supports efforts towards an inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation in Burundi, but also seeks to strengthen democratic governance with focus on the security and judiciary sectors.

In this endeavor, OSESG-B and the UN Country Team work together to achieve greater synergy in their support of the EAC-led Inter-Burundi Dialogue and other peace initiatives in the country.

Furthermore, the SSR and RoL section is engaged in the coordination of the international community’s assistance on security and rule of law related issues.