Parliamentary delegation meets exiled politicians in Brussels

Meetings between a parliamentary delegation from Bujumbura and exiled politicians from Burundi living in Europe took place from 6 to 8 October in Brussels in an effort to address obstacles in the implementation of the Arusha peace agreement. Issues discussed included questions regarding a possible cease-fire, security and political freedom, and amnesty and national reconciliation. The parliamentary delegation was led by the Vice-President of the National Assembly of Transition (ANT) of Burundi, Martin Sindabizera, of the Union pour le progres national (Uprona) party. It included Oscar Nibogora, Fidele Habonimana and Marc Manirambona of the Front pour la democratie au Burundi (Frodebu); Gabriel Toyi, also of Uprona; civil society representatives Sabine Sabimbona and Charles Ndabirabe; and Zachee Hwayi of the military. The delegation of politicians-in-exile included Christian Sendegaya, Emmanuel Gahungu, Francoise Ndimuruvugo, Isaie Kubwayo, Deo Nkinahamira, Joseph Ntakarutimana, Potame Nizigire, Claudette Kibasha and Jean-Marie Sindayigaya (all Frodebu MPs elected in 1993); Jean de Dieu Mutabazi, also of Frodebu; Isidore Ndayirinde and Leonard Rumonge of the Conseil national pour la defense de la democratie (CNDD); Mathias Rugurika of the Parti pour la liberation du peuple Hutu (Palipehutu); Gaetan Nikobamye of the Parti liberal (PL); and Emmanuel Bamenyekanye of the Parti du peuple (PP). Two experts also attended the conference: General Paulino Macaringue from Mozambique and Martin Coetzee from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa. They shared their experiences on the inclusion of armed rebellions into the national army. Following a plenary session, the two delegations worked in commissions, with a final report expected to be published soon.