Media Statement on the Burundi Peace Process by the Political Directorate, Establishment of the First Assembly Area

Bujumbura, 14 June 2008 – Following the meeting of the Group of Special Envoys for Burundi that took place in Magaliesburg, South Africa, from 9 – to 10 June 2008, which endorsed the commitment by both parties to end hostilities and move the peace process forward, the Government of Burundi and the Palipehutu – FNL hereby inform national and international public opinion that about 150 combatants will move to the first assembly area in Rugazi, Bubanza Province, on 16 June 2008.  Furthermore, the parties have agreed on the identification of six pre-assembly areas and two additional assembly areas in Kimina, Bujumura Rural Province, and Mahande, Cibitoke Province.

This is a major decision, as it is the first step towards the cantonment of Palipehutu – FNL combatants. It is further evidence of both parties’ commitment to peace, and the concrete expression of the common messages that they may have continually expressed for nearly one month.

This much awaited decision comes on the heels of the return to Burundi of the leadership and Chairman of Palipehutu – FNL, Mr Agathon Rwasa, the resumption of the work of the JVMM, the cessation of hostilities between the parties, and the adoption of the Joint Opera
Plan. In this regard, it is a further step on the path to peace.

The Political Directorate, The Regional Initiative for Peace and the South African Facilitation see through this decision the common willingness of both parties to renounce confrontation and continue to give priority to dialogue.

The Political Directorate takes this fortuitous moment to reiterate its firm commitment to continue to support the people of Burundi in all their efforts to successfully conclude the peace process and appeals to the international community to continue contributing to the success of the process by pursuing the provisioning of supplies to Palipehutu – FNL combatants in pre-assembly areas.

The Political Directorate for the Burundi Peace Process was established by the facilitator, Minister Charles Nqakula, to deal with political issues related to the peace process in Burundi.  It is chaired by Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo, South African Special Envoy for the Great Lakes area.  Its membership comprises the Ambassadors to Burundi of Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa, the regional initiative countries, as well as representatives of the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union.  The Government of Burundi on the Palipehutu-FNL are also represented.

Issued by

Ronnie Mamoepa at 082 - 9904853 /
Ambassador JNK Mamabolo, Special Envoy to the Greta Lakes Region at 082 – 3868790

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x152
PRETORIA
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