The United Nations Security Council on Monday struck Burundi off its political agenda citing peaceful elections recently conducted in the country.
In a statement presented by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, the 15-member body said the broadly peaceful elections had marked a new phase for central African country.
South Africa holds the Council’s presidency for December. The development means Burundi is close to ending nearly six years of international isolation.
In a statement aired on the state broadcaster government spokesman Prosper Ntahorwamiye said, Burundi has received, with joy, the noble decision taken by the UN Security Council of withdrawing Burundi from its political agenda.
The government of Burundi had stated on many occasions that the country no longer posed a threat to regional peace and security, and demanded that the Security Council end its mandatory reporting on Bujumbura.
In May, Burundi held a presidential election which was won by Evariste Ndayishimiye, candidate of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party.
The Council encouraged donor countries which had suspended aid to Burundi to continue dialogue towards resumption of development assistance.
A report by a UN watchdog in September said human rights violations were still being committed in Burundi, including sexual violence and murder.
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