The approximately 13-year civil war made the already impoverished Burundi even poorer. The underlying conflict was originally about the distribution of power between the population groups Hutu and Tutsi. Even though this issue was addressed in the peace treaty signed in 2000, there are still tensions within the groups. Nine out of ten Burundians are subsistence farmers and the country has a high population density. This is hard on the land, which together with climate change and ineffective farming practices makes it difficult for people to live off farming. Many Burundians still live as refugees, both in neighboring states and within their own country. Seven out of ten Burundians live in poverty. The efforts of the international community have so far mainly been concentrated on humanitarian aid.
Sweden's development cooperation with Burundi 2009-2012 focuses on supporting a peaceful and democratic development that benefits poor people. Since 2006, Sida is supporting a program of democratic development in collaboration with the British DFID. The objectives of the democracy program are to enhance the accountability of government and to strengthen the rule of law, with particular consideration given to women and children. In addition, Sida provides support in the area of peace and security for the reintegration of disabled ex-combatants into society.
In 2010, presidential and parliamentary elections were held in Burundi. The elections were boycotted by the opposition, referring to suspicion of irregularities. International observers however found the elections to be conducted in a proper manner. The incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza was re-elected for another five year term. The absence of opposition parties in parliament hampers accountability and political dialogue. Violence, harassment and politically motivated killings are common; journalists have been arrested and assassinated and the corruption is widespread. The lack of functioning governance obstructs the assistance to Burundi.
The Swedish government in December 2010 decided that the development cooperation with Burundi will be phased out when the current strategy period ends in 2012. The main reason for this is a policy of concentration of the Swedish development aid to fewer countries.
