Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Fides Service)- Disappointment and profound concern are the predominant feelings of reaction to the failure of talks between Burundi’s political parties held in Pretoria, South Africa (see Fides 19 July 2004). “the main problem remains” an authoritative local observer Bujumbura (capital of Burundi) told Fides, referring to the request by leaders of the Tutsi minority (14% of the population) for 40% of the seats in the future Parliament. The main Tutsi party which governed Burundi for a long time UPRONA, rejected the compromise suggested by the South African mediators for a future Burundian parliament with 60% Hutu, 40 % Tutsi and 3 members of parliament to represent the Twa Pygmy people. UPRONA does not want the Tutsi 40% to include Twa who belong to Hutu movements. In fact some Tutsi are members of Hutu majority parties. UPRONA says that with the Hutu Party members who are Tutsi, the Hutu would have a large majority in parliament.
“UPRONA stands only to lose from a new subdivision of power” Fides sources said. “For years it was in government and now its members find it difficult to renounce privileges and profitable positions”. UPRONA’s request shows there is division in the Tutsi camp. “Neither Hutu or Tutsi groups are monolithic, internal divisions exist and it is difficult to find an agreement. However for lasting national reconciliation these divisions must be healed ” the sources told Fides “Burundi needs peace so it can at last tackle problems connected with underdevelopment: poverty, poor schooling and healthcare, unemployment”.
“Only in the coming days will we be able to assess the failure in the Pretoria talks” the source told Fides. “The process of transition must continue however, otherwise the country could precipitate in another civil war. An agreement must be reached in order to hold general elections. The peace process has not made much progress over recent months. International mediators have exercised pressure to bring about a change but so far without success. The ball is now in the court of Burundi’s political leaders.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/7/2004 righe 35 parole 430)
