Negotiators told to patch up differences

The national human rights organisation, Ligue Iteka, has warned that continuing divergences over the peace process could lead to acute political agitation, institutional instability and an upsurge in violence. In a report, received by IRIN, Ligue Iteka said the gap between the internal and external peace processes was still huge. “In the interior of the country - as in Arusha - mistrust, hate and ethnic preconceptions persist,” the report said. It urged the facilitation team and civil society to redouble efforts to inject new life into the last rounds of talks before the peace deal is signed on 28 August.

The group called on the belligerents to immediately cease hostilities. Furthermore, it said those opposed to the Arusha peace process should refrain from provocations and express themselves peacefully. Finally, the negotiating sides should show themselves to be conciliatory and compromise as necessary in order to implement the accord, once signed. Ligue Iteka urged the facilitation team not to “force” the signing of the agreement, and appealed to the Burundi government to allow people to express themselves freely with regard to the accord.