Burundi has made relatively rapid, substantial progress in
democracy and easing of inter-ethnic tensions, due to its
citizens desire to embrace national unity and compromise,
as well as the international community’s heavy
involvement in the Arusha peace process. Integration of
former government security forces and CNDD-FDD rebels
in a new national defence force contributed significantly to
consolidating peace. However, the peace process remains
fragile. To move beyond the long civil war, strengthen
democratic institutions and ensure respect for the rule
of law, a genuine peace agreement is needed with the
PALIPEHUTU-FNL, the last active rebel group, which
is not strong enough to fight a new war but remains a
power in most western provinces. This requires a new
commitment by the government to a negotiated solution,
not a military one, and a revived facilitation effort
especially by regional states.
