Burundi peace plan under attack

Buyoya does not like the draft accord, nor do the rebels

By Chris Simpson in Bujumbura

The United Nations Security Council has called for an end to the civil war in Burundi after the main rebel group rejected a peace plan proposed by the former South African president Nelson Mandela.

At the Burundi peace talks in Tanzania last month, Mr Mandela circulated a draft peace plan and said he was confident it would be signed on 28 August by all the political parties and rebels.

The rebels want all regroupment camps closed

But last week the CNDD-FDD rebels rejected the plan, in part because they said it did not take into account Burundi's 1992 democratic constitution.

President Pierre Buyoya, whose government has also strongly criticised the draft accord, has now flown to South Africa on a three-day visit for talks with Mr Mandela.

'Misunderstood'

Ministers in Bujumbura have talked privately and publicly of serious flaws in the draft document, hinting that the mediators do not understand the country they are dealing with.

There is particular concern about the arrangements for a future transition to democracy, and there are clear disagreements between Mr Buyoya and Mr Mandela on how best to end the seven-year civil war.

Hutus want equal representation in the army

The Arusha text runs to over 100 pages, and outlines a highly ambitious programme for Burundi's recovery.

It emphasises the need for reconciliation and reconstruction, and tries to find a way past the disastrous division between the Tutsi minority and the Hutu majority.

Guiding the transition

Hutu political parties are generally in favour of the draft accord, which they believe addresses many of their grievances.

Hutu critics of President Buyoya say he should step down and allow someone else to guide Burundi through a difficult period of transition.

Mr Mandela is reportedly of the same opinion.

But the government says, only Mr Buyoya has the necessary skills and experience to oversee a political and military settlement in Burundi, and now is not the time for him to leave.