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Mandela said that all 19 parties had accepted the draft accord, and particularly promised not to question the final proposal. He said a group representing mainly the Tutsi community “which is a minority of 14 percent in Burundi forgot about the agreement”. “They wanted to reopen almost everything,” Mandela added.
“Now I do not think there are many countries in which some leaders will take a solemn decision on very important matters, when their people are being killed inside their own country, who do not care for that massacre, for that slaughter, and wanted to drag out these proceedings,” Mandela said.
President Bill Clinton promised the signatories the international community would provide aid if they showed a willingness to make the accord work. “If you choose peace, the United States and the world community will be there to help you make it. We will support your efforts to demobilise combatants and integrate them into your national army. We will help you bring refugees home and meet the need of displaced children and orphans,” he told the signing ceremony to loud applause.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions