Food distribution to CNDD-FDD rebels resumes

Food distribution among Burundian fighters loyal to rebel leader Pierre Nkurunziza resumed on Wednesday after a six-month suspension, Army Spokesman Augustin Nzabampema told IRIN. Reporters were not allowed to cover the food distribution. "We got instructions not to allow journalists to report anything, the operation was supposed to be done in secret," Col Nzabampema said. He added, "I don't know why the food distribution restarted, we are observers in this operation." An NGO worker, who requested anonymity, said that the food comprised beans, rice, palm oil, flour and salt. Witnesses said four lorries belonging to GTZ, a German NGO, and escorted by a unit of the African Union peacekeeping troops in the country, transported the food that was distributed among the rebels at Kayange in the northwestern province on Bubanza, on the edge of Kibira Forest. The forest is considered a stronghold for Nkurunziza's Conseil national pour la defense de la democratie-Force pour la defense de la democratie (CNDD-FDD) rebel faction. The last food distribution to the rebels, decided upon by the government in a bid to prevent rebel attacks on civilians, took place in February. The operations were then financed by the EU. The CNDD-FDD has in the past justified attacks against civilians as a way of obtaining food for its combatants. It signed a ceasefire agreement with the government in December 2002 but both sides have violated the pact several times. Of late, talks have been going on between the transitional government and the CNDD-FDD on power sharing and the eventual integration of the rebel group into government institutions. Observers see the latest food distribution as a way of encouraging CNDD-FDD fighters to report to cantonment camps set up across the country. Only a few fighters from small rebel factions, the CNDD-FDD led by Jean-Bosco Ndayikengurukiye and the Forces nationales de liberation faction led by Alain Mugabarabona, have reported for cantonment.