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President Mbeki Arrives in Burundi for Inauguration President
Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by Mrs Zanele Mbeki and senior government officials,
has arrived in Bujumbura, Burundi this morning, Friday 26th August 2005, to attend
the inauguration of President-elect Pierre Nkurunziza scheduled to take place
later today. The inauguration of President-elect Nkurunziza is a culmination
of a long protracted and successful peace process, in which South Africa played
a key role, with the support of the Great Lakes Regional Initiative on Burundi
chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, the African Union as well
as the international community, especially the United Nations and the European
Union. South Africa views the ushering in of democracy in Burundi as a victory
for the Burundian people and for the continent as a whole, and as a major boost
for the drive towards an African Renaissance. Background *
Former President Nelson Mandela was appointed by regional leaders as Facilitator
in October 1999, following the death of President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania.
As Facilitator, Mr Mandela played a decisive role in the conclusion of the Arusha
Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, which was signed on 28 August 2005 by representatives
of the main political parties and the Burundian government.
* The agreement
laid the foundation for the transition to democracy, peace and development in
Burundi. It stipulated a transitional government be established over a period
of 36 months.
* On 1 November 2001, the transitional government was established
under the leadership of President Pierre Buyoya for an initial period of 18 months,
and was followed by a final 18 month period under the leadership of President
Domitien Ndayizeye.
* On the retirement of Former President Mandela, Former
Deputy President Jacob Zuma was appointed as Facilitator, and his efforts resulted
in the conclusion of three ceasefire agreements and the adoption of a draft Constitution
by the Transitional Government and political parties, which had to be ratified
by a referendum which took place in February 2005. Former Deputy President Zuma
is among the dignitaries attending the inauguration ceremony, and he arrived in
Bujumbura yesterday, 25th of August 2005.
* In October 2003, President
Mbeki and Former Deputy President Zuma hosted the Transitional Government of Burundi
and other major political parties in Pretoria, and the meeting was concluded with
the signing of the Pretoria Protocol on Political, Defence and Security Power-Sharing
in Burundi.
* The 22nd Regional Summit on the Burundi peace process held
on 18 August 2004 called upon the Transitional Government of Burundi to ensure
the establishment of an Independent Electoral Commission by the 29th of August
2004 and preparations began for the elections.
* Burundi held its first
democratic elections since 1993 on 4 July 2005. The 21 member South African observer
mission, under the leadership of Ms Winkie Direko, Member of Parliament, concluded
in their election report that the elections were executed in a transparent manner.
*
On 19 August 2005, a Joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate elected
Mr Nkurunziza as President-elect. President Mbeki has extended his congratulations
to President-elect Nkurunziza and the Burundian people, as well as the good wishes
of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa. South Africa
shares the joy of the Burundian people on this magnificent achievement, and remains
committed to continue to support Burundi in the consolidation of peace and democracy,
as well as in the reconstruction and development of the country. Enquiries:
Lakela Kaunda on 09257 933411 or +2782 7822575. Issued by the Presidency
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