Rebel group proposes presidential candidate

A faction of the rebel group PALIPEHUTU, led by Etienne Karatasi, has put forward its own candidate for the transitional leadership of the country, the Hirondelle news agency reported on Thursday. He was named as Pastor Augustin Nkundabashaka in a letter sent to the peace process mediator, Nelson Mandela. PALIPEHUTU’s nomination was prompted by “a lack of confidence in the [opposition] FRODEBU candidate [Domitien Ndayizeye] put forward by the G7 [group of pro-Hutu parties]”, the letter stated. “PALIPEHUTU believes the Burundian people now need a candidate who is honest...who respects God and human life, to confront the huge challenge of reconciling the sons and daughters of Burundi.” Karatasi’s PALIPEHUTU faction has taken part in the Arusha peace process, while the PALIPEHUTU-FNL of Cossan Kabura has remained outside the process.