Arusha process "risks disintegrating"

Independent analysts have expressed scepticism over the Arusha peace process, which is at risk of disintegrating. One analyst told IRIN the sides have resumed their "tough" negotiating stances to maximise their own positions. "Trust is disappearing, the process has become personalised," the analyst said. Another analyst said the external process could not progress without the inclusion of the armed factions, and the government and rebels would "probably go ahead with face-to-face negotiations anyway". Both the government of President Pierre Buyoya and the leader of CNDD-FDD rebel faction, Jean-Bosco Ndayikengurukiye, have called for direct talks, but the Nyerere Foundation which is facilitating the Arusha process, has so far opposed including the rebel armed groups, such as FDD and FNL. According to the Burundian authorities, ex-Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere argues that the rebellion will be marginalised by the international community and its power base weakened, but a Burundian government official pointed out to IRIN recently: "Look what happened with the Interahamwe".