Peace accord by June "unrealistic"

The International Crisis Group (ICG), a Brussels-based think tank, noting the international community has made the resumption of aid to Burundi conditional on the signing of a peace accord, has pointed out that the timetable of the Arusha peace process is "unrealistic". In its latest analysis of the situation in Burundi, ICG said Burundian diplomacy is now focused on a single objective - resuming international cooperation. "After five years of war, two and a half years of embargo and with no international assistance, the state coffers are empty and the socio-economic situation is catastrophic," the report stated. However, the timetable suggested by the Nyerere Foundation which is mediating the Arusha peace talks and seeks to have an accord signed by June, could bring about "cosmetic reforms", but fundamental changes needed for true peace have not yet been achieved. ICG cited the security and human rights situation. "The war is not over in Burundi," the report said. "The Arusha process fails to address the impact of the Congo war which could seriously destabilise the young and fragile Burundian peace process." The exclusion in Arusha of the armed wing of the Burundi rebellion leaves its leaders no other choice but violence, which is being conducted in part from Congolese soil. An accord signed in June would have no validity, the report stressed. The international community should not try and "recreate" the pre-war situation for the resumption of aid. The report said economic reform should accompany the political changes clamoured for by donors. The international community must focus on those responsible for the violence, as well as the victims. And finally, the efforts to hold a dialogue within the country, "however fragile the context", must be supported. [ Click here for full report]