PRESS RELEASE

Brussels, 17 July 1998

ICG: "Lifting embargo on Burundi is key to maintaining peace process momentum"

The report, entitled Negotiations in Arusha: What Are the Chances for Peace?, examines the issues raised during the earlier round of negotiations in Arusha and subsequent developments, including, in particular, the agreement reached between Burundi's military president, Pierre Buyoya, and the main opposition party, FROBEDU. The agreement made possible the installation of a new transitional government on 10 June 1998.

According to ICG: "Last month's progress at the Arusha talks was only possible because President Buyoya, the government, the National Assembly and FROBEDU had reached agreement on the terms of an internal process of negotiation. If regional leaders want to see further progress, it essential they recognise the significance of this internal agreement and end Burundi's economic and political isolation".

As a first step, ICG believes, the embargo placed on Burundi after President Buyoya's seizure of power in 1996 must be lifted. To maintain the embargo any longer would be tantamount to penalising the moderate political forces in Burundi that have risked so much by lending support to the new transitional government. It would also encourage elements currently outside of Burundi to oppose the process of internal dialogue.

Tanzania and the regional mediator Julius Nyerere, who is also Tanzanian, are against sanctions being lifted. For ICG President Alain Destexhe, "Julius Nyerere's opposition to the lifting of sanctions is fast becoming an obstacle to further progress in Burundi's internal peace process. The Buyoya government has met all of the conditions for sanctions to be lifted. It is time to make a gesture of encouragement to the new government in Bujumbura". ICG is also calling on Julius Nyerere to help convince armed Burundian factions currently operating from Tanzania to rejoin the peace process.

To further encourage progress in Burundi's internal peace negotiations, ICG is urging the European Union, EU Member States and the United States to restart their co-operation efforts, even if sanctions have not been lifted by the countries of the region.

Read the full report in French or English.

For further information: Alain Destexhe at ICG, Tel + 32 2 502 90 38 or send e-mail here

The International Crisis Group is a private, multinational organisation created to reinforce the capacity and resolve of the international community to prevent crises arising from human causes. Members of the ICG board include former heads of state and government, foreign ministers, MPs and leading figures in business and the media. ICG is chaired by the former US Senate majority leader, George Mitchell.

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