Human rights group warns over worsening situation

In an open letter to the negotiating sides in Arusha and the rebel groups, ITEKA expressed concern over the volatile situation in Burundi. It warned that given the current circumstances - the recent fighting in Kinama and in the provinces of Gitega and Makamba - 2001, more than any other year during the conflict, would be “bogged down” by military confrontation and a deterioration in social and economic conditions. “Burundians are awaiting a new dynamism from the peace process during the transition period,” ITEKA’s letter said. “It would be tragic if, instead of this, they find themselves once again ruled by leaders who will paralyse each other by refusing to take on board the inevitable duties and sacrifices of any ‘cohabitation’.” It appealed to all the sides to compromise and accept the “shared risks”. “The people hold you responsible, both today and in the future,” the letter stated.