afrol News, 1 May - The transfer of Burundi's presidential powers from the Tutsi minority to the Hutu majority yesterday was hailed worldwide. World leaders however deplored the transfer was made in a continued climate of warfare and victimisation of civilians.

Yesterday, former Vice President Domitien Ndayizeye was sworn in as Burundi's second Transitional President, together with Alphonse Kadege as Vice President, in the second phase of power transfer as outlined by the 2000 Arusha Peace Agreement. The transformation process is to culminate in general elections by the end of 2004, marking Burundi's return to peace and democracy.

The South African government, which has been central in mediating the Burundi peace and transition process, stated Burundi was now closer to peace, as African Union peacekeepers will also be deployed in the country.

Nelson Mandela, South African ex-president and Burundi mediator, said the world had much to learn from yesterday's historical event. "This tiny African country can strike a blow for multilateralism and dialogue if it can prove that negotiations and talks can lead to peaceful coexistence," Mr Mandela said.

South African Vice President Jacob Zuma, also a leading Burundi mediator, attended the inauguration of the President Ndayizeye in Bujumbura. Upon arrival at Bujumbura airport, Mr Zuma said the inauguration was an achievement for the peace process. He also informed the media that the deployment of the African Union Mission troops in Burundi was on track.

The total of South African forces already deployed in Burundi is 932. This is supposed to increase to 1600 South African troops by August. Additionally, Mozambique is to contribute with a contingent of 290 peacekeepers and Ethiopia with 980 troops.

From New York, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan this night cautioned that the second transition phase in Burundi, marked by the transfer of the presidency, was starting in an unstable environment as conflict persists despite ceasefire agreements. Mr Annan, in a message delivered by his Special Representative for Burundi, Berhanu Dinka, called on all parties to cease hostilities and respect the commitments undertaken.

He also reminded the incoming leaders of the tasks ahead. "The government will have to establish the necessary mechanism for the return and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons," the UN Secretary-General said. "The government will also have to establish the necessary mechanisms for the return and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons."

Despite the change in authority, Mr Annan said, "the United Nations, which has always supported Burundi, will continue to uphold and promote the peace process and the effective implementation of the ceasefire agreements through the Joint Ceasefire Commission. It will also support the Africa force."

Extending his warm congratulations to the new incumbent, Mr Annan also paid tribute to outgoing President, Pierre Buyoya for "demonstrating maturity and wisdom in reaching a consensus which does credit to Burundi and the Burundians."

Also the spokesman of the US State Department, Richard Boucher, commended yesterday's ceremony of investiture in Burundi, calling it "a significant achievement on Burundi's road to a peace." He said the US also commended "the achievements of Pierre Buyoya in his tenure as president, and the responsible and constructive role he has played in bringing Burundi to this point where prospects for peace have been strengthened."

The presidency of the European Union also issued a statement on Burundi's presidential handover yesterday, and called on "all parties in Burundi to keep to their commitments in support of the peace process." It made special mention of the CNDD-FDD rebels, calling on them to "observe the ceasefire signed on 3 December 2002 and to refrain from acts of violence."

Human rights organisations, on the other hand, remained hesitant on congratulating the Burundians on the power transfer, as there is no end to Burundi's 10-year civil war in sight. "Burundians see this transition as a time of fear, not a time of hope," says Alison Des Forges of the US-based group Human Rights Watch. "Civilians still have no faith that they won't become the targets of unpredictable violence, either from the government or from the rebels."

By staff writers

© afrol News

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