Cautions over Burundi Peace Process Delay

(Afrique en ligne)--The delay in the implementation of the comprehensive ceasefire agreement reached nearly two years ago by the opposing parties in Burundi has raised the concern of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), according to a statement issued on Tuesday.

Concluding its 147th meeting held the same day, the council requested the government of Burundi and Palipehutu/FNL movement to demonstrate greater political will to overcome the obstacles that continue to impede the implementation of the agreement. ‘The patience and generosity of the international community have limits’, the PSC reminded the two parties that concluded the comprehensive ceasefire agreement on 7 September 2006. ‘Council urged the parties to place national interest above any other consideration and to demonstrate the patriotism required to meet the aspirations of the Burundian people for peace, security, stability and national reconciliation, as well as for social and economic development of the country’, said the statement.

Despite the return to Bujumbura of the representatives of Palipehutu/FNL in the joint verification and follow up mechanism on 16 May 2008, that was followed by the return of Agathon Rwasa, the movement’s leader, to the Burundi capital on 30 May 2008, procrastination and delay tactics have continued to affect the implementation of the peace deal. During the session, the AU commission and a representative of the Burundi government briefed the council on the current situation in the country.

Meanwhile, the PSC has reiterated its gratitude to the peace process facilitators for their initiatives aimed at overcoming ‘serious difficulties facing the peace process and for the remarkable efforts deployed in support of the implementation of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement’. The Council also encouraged the AU Political Directorate to continue supporting the efforts of the facilitators. It commended the Regional Peace Initiative for the determination with which it continued to work with the parties in support of the peace process in Burundi

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