Buyoya meets army officers to discuss peace accord

Burundian President Pierre Buyoya on Wednesday had a meeting with officers and unit commanders of Bujumbura garrison on issues connected to the peace process, Burundi radio reported. The meeting, also attended by commanders of the country’s military regions, discussed the security situation in the country and the draft peace agreement presented two weeks ago by the peace process facilitator, Nelson Mandela. Buyoya presented the government’s position on questionable issues, and they also discussed the security forces’ concerns.

“The attitude that I recommend is that first security forces keep their cohesion at all cost,” President Buyoya was quoted as saying. “Two, that they maintain the security of the country and citizens.” He also advised people to avoid rumours and manipulation “of which there is no shortage at this period”. He urged people to “allow politicians to discuss and debate while the army remains focused on its main mission”.

Meanwhile, Buyoya arrived in South Africa on Thursday for talks with Mandela, ahead of the resumption of talks in Arusha on 7 August. Sources close to the mediation say Mandela is adamant about adhering to the 28 August date for signing a peace accord.