Buyoya outlines new security strategy

President Pierre Buyoya and fellow military officers have met state and provincial officials in Kayanza and Gitega to discuss means by which they can improve security throughout the country, Burundi radio reported on 27 April. In Kayanza, northwestern Burundi, on 27 April, Buyoya said three particular strategies had been set out to counter rebel attacks. These included: the reinforcement of security teams, which, he said, would be given adequate arms and material support; enhanced collaboration on security matters between administrative officials, the military and civilians; and “good neighbourliness” between Burundi and countries of the region, the report said. The Kayanza meeting, and an earlier one in the central town of Gitega, followed a spell of increased rebel activity in Mwaro, Muramvya and parts of Kayanza, it added.

Meanwhile, peace facilitator Nelson Mandela is to host a meeting in South Africa on 4 May in a bid to revitalise the negotiations, according to the Burundi news agency, Azania. It quoted Gilbert Niyonkuru, chief aide to Burundi Minister for the Peace Process Ambroise Niyonsaba, as saying that Mandela would meet representatives of the Burundi army, social and professional organisations, and religious groups in the South African capital, Pretoria.