"Upsurge" of interest in peace process

The latest analysis by Jan van Eck of the South Africa-based Centre for Conflict Resolution says Mandela's mediation has "injected a seriousness and urgency" into the peace process which up to now had been lacking. "Stressing that no solution can be imposed on the people of Burundi, he [Mandela] has made the Barundi feel that the solution is in their hands," the report said. "It is a result of this approach that there has, over the past few months, been an unprecedented upsurge in interest in the peace process among key role players. This is especially true of the internal situation where numerous important sectors within civil society are now showing an interest in actively engaging in the peace process."

The report said that as a result of this heightened interest, the peace process would inevitably be lengthened. Remaining obstacles to a workable and implementable agreement included the lack of a minimum degree of trust, the need to address the issue of genocide and the impact of the DRC war. "The Burundi conflict cannot only be addressed in isolation," the report warned. "It will remain extremely difficult for the Burundian
parties to negotiate in a calm and unemotional environment while other forces in the greater region are actively stirring ethnic hatred, violent 'solutions' etc." [Copies of the report are available from the following email address: [email protected]]