The Burundi Peace Process

This monograph examines the role of peacekeeping missions in the Burundi peace process, detailing the transition from the South African Protection Support Detachment (SAPSD) to the African Union Mission in Burundi (AMIB) and subsequently the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB). It analyzes the diplomatic efforts led by Nelson Mandela and Jacob Zuma, the implementation of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programs, the challenges of security sector reform, and the electoral processes that led to the 2005 elections and the eventual integration of the PALIPEHUTU-FNL.

• The Burundi peace process was technically concluded on 22 April 2009, following the confirmation by the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism that the PALIPEHUTU-FNL had surrendered its weapons and the group's subsequent registration as a political party.
• South Africa's intervention in Burundi was driven by the 'African Renaissance' policy, which sought 'African solutions for African problems'. This began with Nelson Mandela serving as facilitator and continued with Jacob Zuma seeking ceasefire agreements with rebel groups like the CNDD-FDD and PALIPEHUTU-FNL.
• The South African Protection Support Detachment (SAPSD) deployed 700 troops starting 27 October 2001 to provide security for Burundian leaders returning from exile, a task that eventually grew to involve over 400 protectors for a parliament that expanded to 474 members.
• The UN Operation in Burundi (ONUB), established by Resolution 1545 on 21 May 2004, replaced AMIB on 1 June 2004. It had a military component of 5,650 personnel and a mandate covering ceasefire monitoring, DDR, militia dismantling, and electoral support.
• The 2005 electoral process involved six elections in eight months, including a constitutional referendum (approved by 90.4% of voters) and presidential elections won by Pierre Nkurunziza of the CNDD-FDD.
• The UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB), established on 1 January 2007, succeeded ONUB with a focus on peace consolidation, democratic governance, human rights, and the final integration of the PALIPEHUTU-FNL.
• The final phase of the peace process involved the return of Agathon Rwasa from exile in May 2008 and the subsequent demobilisation of PALIPEHUTU-FNL combatants, including the integration of 3,500 members into national security services.

APA

Boshoff, H., Vrey, W., & Rautenbach, G. (n.d.). The Burundi Peace Process. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Mono171.pdf

Chicago

Boshoff, Henri, Waldemar Vrey, and George Rautenbach. The Burundi Peace Process. Institute for Security Studies, n.d. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Mono171.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Boshoff |first1=Henri |last2=Vrey |first2=Waldemar |last3=Rautenbach |first3=George |title=The Burundi Peace Process |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Mono171.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{boshoffndburundi, author = {Boshoff, Henri and Vrey, Waldemar and Rautenbach, George}, title = {{The Burundi Peace Process}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Mono171.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }