New political group urges further security measures

The newly-established political grouping, Convention nationale pour la paix et la reconciliation (CNPR), noting the continuing violence in the country, has urged the government to boost measures to protect the population. In a press release sent to IRIN on Tuesday, the CNPR observed that Interahamwe and ex-FAR troops were “strongly implicated” in the violence plaguing Burundi. The press statement said the CNPR was satisfied the protection sites were ensuring the population’s security in Bujumbura Rural province. It also expressed satisfaction with the government’s intention to negotiate with rebel factions and said it would support the authorities in this endeavour. The CNPR, which was formed earlier this month, groups the main UPRONA and FRODEBU parties and the small mainly-Tutsi parties - ANADDE, MSP-INKINZO, PIT, PL, PRP and RADDES.