Burundian parties have failed to reach consensus on the shape of their future transitional government, despite pressure from African states charged with overseeing the delivery of peace to the war-ravaged nation. The 19 Burundian groups failed to settle the transition issue, six months after signing a peace accord. A summit endorsed a proposal drawn up by chief mediator and South African former president Nelson Mandela whereby the three-year transition period be split in two, with the presidency being filled by a Tutsi during the first half and a Hutu during the second. – AFP