DEPUTY President Jacob Zuma will leave for Bujumbura, Burundi on Wednesday to attend the launch of the central African country’s transitional government. He will be accompanied by Intelligence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and SA National Defence Force chief General Siphiwe Nyanda. Zuma has been assisting former South African president Nelson Mandela in establishing peace in Burundi, particularly in the attainment of a ceasefire agreement. According to the deal, Burundi will put a transitional government into action on Thursday. The transitional period will be divided into two segments of 18 months each. President Pierre Buyoya, a Tutsi, will lead the country for the first 18 months, with Domician Ndayizeye, a Hutu, as his deputy. The Hutu will then lead the country for the second segment while a Tutsi will serve as deputy. The South African delegation is scheduled to return on Friday. -Sapa
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