Report of the Secretary-General on the Situation in Burundi

Abstract

On October 20-21, 1993, a military coup attempt in Burundi led to the assassination of the country's first democratically elected president, Melchior Ndadaye, and other high-ranking officials. This plunged Burundi into a cycle of ethnic violence, massacres, and a resulting refugee crisis.The OAU responded by condemning the coup, calling it a "severe setback" for democracy in Africa. Following consultations with the legitimate government of Burundi and military leaders, the OAU's Central Organ endorsed the deployment of an International Protection, Observation, and Confidence Building Mission. This 200-person mission, composed of 180 soldiers and 20 civilians, was intended to restore confidence, provide security for government officials, and facilitate national reconciliation.