Military

7 April 2004 – A proposed United Nations peacekeeping operation in Burundi aimed at consolidating recent political progress there would cost $418 million for a 12-month period, according to a new UN document released today.

The projected figure breaks down to $269 million in recurrent expenses, and $149 million for one-time costs such as buying equipment and deploying the military contingents, and should be paid for by dues levied on UN Member States, the Secretary-General says.

Mr. Annan has already informed the President of the Security Council of his intention of immediately beginning preparations for a UN operation, which would comprise a military force of 5,650 troops, including observers and headquarters staff, based on the reassignment of the African Union's African Mission in Burundi (AMIB), as well as a civilian component of about 1,050 people.

Ahead of elections scheduled for 31 October, the mission, called MINUB, would support the process of disarming and disbanding militia groups as well as collecting, securing and destroying weapons. It would also help to train the Burundi National Police. Other MINUB components would work to promote the rule of law, coordinate assistance in support of the elections, and report on human rights abuses.

Since 1993, the UN has had an office in Burundi supporting peace initiatives there. An agreement signed in Arusha in 2000 forms the basis of the political transition, which will culminate in October's elections. The AMIB has been deployed since October 2003.