Burundi

Beyond Conflict, Peace

Burundi is at a crossroads. After more than a decade of civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, a tenuous peace has been reached. In 2010, the next general election offers an opportunity to consolidate that peace. It also carries with it the risk of renewed violence. Quakers are working at local, national, and international levels to help create the conditions necessary for reconciliation and integration.

QPSW in Burundi

QPSW is partnering with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) to support local Quaker peacebuilding efforts in Burundi. Two QPSW Peaceworkers are working alongside AFSC, providing essential human resources in capacity building and advocacy as Burundi prepares for elections in 2010. AFSC’s established presence in Burundi provides a channel for QPSW to offer its own resources to Friends there.

Two new Peaceworkers arrived in Burundi on 17 October 2009. To hear how they are getting on, read their Journal Letters.

Our Partner Organisation: AFSC

The American Friends Service Committee has been working in Burundi since 2004. It works in partnership with local organizations to build their capacity to undertake research, advocacy and other initiatives in conflict transformation and peacebuilding. It seeks to strengthen the links between grassroots initiatives and the UN Peacebuilding Commission, which has a focus on Burundi. For more information on AFSC’s Africa work see http://www.afsc.org/africa/