Mandela’s demands “justified”

After two years of negotiations, the Burundi peace process is now at a “critical stage”, the Brussels-based International Crisis Group think tank said. In its latest report on Burundi, it said that as the process enters its final phase, the demands of the mediator, Nelson Mandela, are justified for several reasons. These demands include dismantling the regroupment camps, freeing political prisoners and liberalising the media. The report says President Pierre Buyoya should compromise and thus “show goodwill” in order to take part in the transition period that will follow the signing of a peace accord.

The demands of the rebels - some of which coincide with those of the mediator - should be heard. Furthermore there can be no meaningful dialogue with political parties whose activities are repressed by the authorities, the ICG said. Finally, press freedom is essential for informing Burundians on the Arusha negotiations. The report says individuals who resort to defamation, propagation of ethnic hatred and to the use of violence should be disqualified from the peace talks and the country’s transitional institutions.

ICG called on the international community to help in the training of local journalists.