OWN CORRESPONDENT, Arusha | Monday
A MEETING of African heads of state to discuss Burundi’s peace process has been overshadowed by the launch of a major offensive on Bujumbura by Hutu rebels, which killed at least 15 people.
The attack came on the eve of a summit intended to thrash out a list of people to lead a 30-month transition government in Burundi.
The offensive by the National Liberation Forces (FNL) followed a leadership crisis within the group between supporters of peace talks with the government and those who condemn any dialogue, who seemed to have gained the upper hand.
The main issue of talks involving Burundian politicians and chief mediator South African former president Nelson Mandela, is the make-up of the transitional government provided for in an accord the politicians – but not the rebels – signed here last August.
“We have made great progress up to now and there is no reason why we should not make progress on this specific issue of the transitional government,” Mandela said. He made no reference to the fighting in Bujumbura.
Since 1993, Hutu rebels groups have been fighting a government and army dominated by the small Tutsi minority in a war that has cost more than 200 000 mostly civilian lives.
South African Vice President Jacob Zuma, who has been meeting rebel representatives with a view to clinching a hitherto elusive ceasefire deal, appeared taken aback to hear that clashes were underway in Bujumbura.
“All of us here are looking forward to moving the (peace) process forward. I don’t think anyone would expect that kind of activity,” he said.
When asked if a ceasefire was any closer to hand now than six months ago, he replied, “Certainly. It can’t be the same… We have had discussions that we have never had before.”
Those expected to attend the summit are presidents Pierre Buyoya of Burundi, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Benjamim Mkapa of Tanzania, Daniel arap Moi of Kenya, Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Frederick Chiluba of Zambia and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia. – AFP