Two more Tutsi parties back Buyoya’s rival

In Arusha on Tuesday, the 19 signatories to last year’s peace accord continued discussions on the transition period. According to the Internews press service, two more Tutsi parties endorsed the candidature of Colonel Epitace Bayaganakandi as their nominee for president. The ABASA and PSD parties thus agreed on Bayaganakandi’s nomination by the existing G-6 group of Tutsi parties opposed to President Pierre Buyoya. Internews said the move dealt a “major blow” to Buyoya’s bid to remain in power as it brought about a consensus in the wider G-10 group of Tutsi parties. Six of the Hutu parties in the G-7 group put forward their nominee Domitien Ndayizeye. Internews said the way was now possible for implementing the first 18-month phase of the three year transition with a Tutsi president and Hutu vice-president. The government is insisting on a ceasefire with the rebel groups before establishing the transitional institutions.