Insecurity persists throughout the country with a renewal of violent incidents reported in Bururi, Makamba and in Cibitoke provinces.

Harvesting of the 1997 second season foodcrops is about to start. Prospects are satisfactory reflecting overall good rains during the growing season but production is anticipated to remain below pre-crisis level as a result of reduced plantings due to insecurity. Despite a delayed start of the rains, precipitation has been abundant during the season benefiting mainly cereal and tuber crops. By contrast, the heavy rains negatively affected the bean crop and reduction in yield is anticipated. Provisional forecasts point to an aggregate food output slightly above the reduced level of the 1996 second season production. An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission is scheduled to visit the country in mid-June.

The food situation remains tight. The partial lift of the trade embargo by neighbouring countries has not effectively materialized yet despite official declaration by the OAU on 16 April 1996. Food prices have not declined as expected and remain at high levels, with increases for some crops such as potatoes and sweet potatoes due to seasonal factors at this time of the year. Access to food remains difficult for large sections of the population, particularly in urban areas where the increase in prices is higher reflecting substantially increased transport cost. The food situation is particularly serious for the most vulnerable population estimated at 796 000 persons, including 284 000 displaced, 28 000 dispersed, 187 000 persons in regroupment camps and some 219 000 affected by a poor harvest in the 1997 A crop season. The situation of some 100 000 refugees, mainly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is also critical.