Situation worsening, rights group says

The national human rights organisation, Ligue Iteka, says that five months since it held its general assembly in January, the security situation in Burundi has further deteriorated. In a press release, received by IRIN on Friday, the organisation recalled that in January it had condemned massive human rights violations in the provinces of Makamba, Rutana, Ruyigi, Muramvya, Bujumbura-Mairie, Bujumbura-Rural and Bubanza. "Five months later, Ligue Iteka believes the climate of war and insecurity is worsening in the country," the statement said.

"The same violations - clashes between security forces and rebels, ambushes or attacks against civilians, looting and destruction of property - have now reached communes in the centre of the country in Gitega and Mwaro, as well as some areas surrounding Bujumbura-Mairie." In view of the worsening situation, Ligue Iteka called on the peace talks mediator, Nelson Mandela, to demand a cessation of hostilities before the signing of a peace accord. It urged the negotiators themselves to engage in a frank and sincere dialogue, rather than resorting to military solutions, and said the international community should stop being silent and condemn the "massacres of civilians".