National Assembly approves transitional constitution

Burundi’s national assembly adopted by acclamation on Saturday the transitional constitution that will guide the workings of the three-year government due to begin functioning on 1 Nov., the state-owned ABP news agency reported. National assembly President Leonce Ngendakumana read the adopted text during the plenary session of the body. He said that of the 336 amendments lodged at the assembly’s bureau, only a few clauses in the text sent by the government were modified in form or in content. Among these changes was the change in the title from ‘Constitutional transitional arrangements’ to ‘Constitution of transition’. ABP reported that regarding the content, the "status and restoration of the monarchy can only occur by referendum" and that "all authorized political parties or movements" can take part in [government] institutions, including the integration of the defence and security forces, taking into account the internal political configuration, in return for a commitment to work towards peace, national reconciliation and democracy. During the three-year transitional period armed movements will be incorporated into the defence and security forces on the basis of the permanent cease-fire signed by the belligerents, and through the recruitment of other Burundi citizens.