Rebel FNL meets Mandela

The rebel PALIPEHUTU-FNL, which has hitherto refused to take part in the Arusha peace process, held talks with the peace process mediator Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg on Friday. Burundi analyst Jan van Eck of the South Africa-based Centre for Conflict Resolution told IRIN the rebel leader, Cossan Kabura, was heading a delegation of four to the talks. He said they would probably reiterate their opposition to the Arusha process from which they have been excluded for two years, and state that the signing ceremony on 28 August has nothing to do with them. Van Eck noted the turbulent backdrop against which the accord will be signed, stating that it would be difficult to implement without the involvement of the armed movements, all of which have stressed they will not sign. Observers believe certain aspects of the draft agreement will be signed in Arusha, leading to a “critical” second phase which should endeavour to bring about direct talks between the main belligerents - namely the armed rebel groups and the government/army. Van Eck said if they could reach agreement on their different objectives, talk about truces and ceasefires could become more of a reality.