Peace talks end in Arusha

Peace talks on Burundi ended in Arusha, Tanzania, today (Tuesday) with some progress achieved, according to the talks facilitators. Nyerere Foundation spokesman Mark Bomani said the committee on democracy and good governance and the one on reconstruction had made very good progress, unlike those on the nature of the conflict and on peace and security which had made little progress. “Delegates tackled the agenda very systematically in detail with a lot of dedication. Everyone concerned is willing to negotiate and nobody feels frustrated,” Bomani told IRIN today. The CNDD spokesman Leonce Ndarubagiye confirmed the commitment of the delegates but said the government delegation was bent on delaying the process so as to maintain the status quo. “People were discussing freely and coming up with possible solutions. The government side was however hesitant to give solutions which touched on its existence,” he told IRIN. Despite such notions, Bomani said there was “genuine willingness” to negotiate and find a lasting solution for Burundi. Another round of talks will take place on 10 May.