Government suggests South African mediation

The government has proposed that South Africa take over mediation of the Arusha-based Burundi peace process following the death last week of the talks’ facilitator, former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere. In a statement received by IRIN on Tuesday, the government said South Africa had an “objective and constructive influence” in the sub-region and a “more and more sensitive” role in the settlement of the Burundi conflict. Two of the committees set up under the Arusha process were already chaired by South African personalities, it added. While reiterating the government’s support for the peace talks, the statement said it was important “to correct a number of weaknesses observed in the methodology and management” of the negotiations. A new facilitator should be appointed “without delay” and should be assisted by two or three deputies, it said.