Norway is providing NOK 5 million in emergency relief for Burundi in connection with the flooding there. The UN fears that the floods, which have destroyed crops and agricultural land, could create an acute food crisis for more than 2 million people.

- Floods and drought are recurrent problems in Burundi. This year’s flooding has had a particularly severe effect because the rainy season began later than usual this year. A large part of Burundi’s population is still very vulnerable after 13 years of civil war. In addition to providing acute emergency relief, it is important for us to help to achieve long-term food security in Burundi, said Minister of International Development Erik Solheim, who visited the country in December

Burundi’ minister of foreign affairs, Antoinette Batumubwira, will be arriving in Norway this afternoon, and her programme includes talks with Mr Solheim on future cooperation between Norway and Burundi and the situation in Central Africa. During her visit, Ms Batumubwira will meet with representatives of Norwegian organisations that are active in Burundi and the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. She will also speak at a seminar at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI).

There will be an opportunity for media representatives to meet Foreign Minister Batumubwira and International Development Minister Solheim tomorrow, Friday 9 February, at 12:30–13:00 at Mr Solheim’s office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Press contact: Head of Information Roy Freddy Andersen, tel.: 90 61 05 30.