Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides) - “This is a fundamental step forward and one that we hope will be decisive in finally placing an end to the civil war in Burundi,” Agenzia Fides was told by local Church sources in Bujumbura (Burundi), where on April 18, Agathon Rwasa, head of the FNL (National Liberation Forces) officially renounced armed conflict.
The FNL was the last guerrilla group still active in Burundi after other armed forces signed the Arusha Accord (2000) and that of Dar es Salaam (2003), laying down their arms and entering into political life.
“The ceremony took place on the outskirts of Bujumbura and held great symbolism,” Fides sources explained. “Agathon Rwasa first handed over his weapon to the soldiers of the African Union (that sent a contingent to Burundi to enforce the peace accord), setting the example for his men, and then declared that the FNL will continue carrying forward their own agenda using political means, renouncing armed combat.”
“In December 2008, the FNL signed an accord calling for the disarming of their own men and their integration into the Burundi Armed Forces. Over the past several months, there have been talks to determine the conditions and above all, establish the number of men to be disbanded,” Fides sources explained. “The FNL claimed to have 21,000 men, an amount that seemed unrealistic to the government and independent observers, who had estimated somewhere around 4,000 men. The FNL, in exaggerating the number of its members, had hoped to obtain greater political and economic compensations. Finally, an agreement was reached that called for the insertion of a large part of the former FNL members into the armed forces and police force, while those excluded from this program would receive funds raised with the help of the international community, to stimulate economic activity.”
On January 8, the FNL carried out another important act, canceling out any ethnic references from its own name. Originally, the movement was known as the “Parti pour la Libération du Peuple Hutu-Forces Nationales de Libération (Palipehutu-FNL),” and later adopted its current title. “After changing its name and the disarmament, the FNL's next step will be its recognition, on the part of the government, as a legitimate political party,” Fides sources commented.
“The Bishops of Burundi have been closely observing the talks with the FNL, often carrying out a silent yet efficient mediation effort, which has borne its fruits,” Fides sources concluded. Just one year ago, the FNL launched its final attack on Bujumbura. In the attack, the Apostolic Nunciature was also hit, although it seems to have occurred by mistake. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 20/04/2009)
