Burundi: Critical challenges to the peace process

The peace process in Burundi remained deadlocked in September 2003 despite multiple regional summits. The impasse centers on the CNDD-FDD's refusal to recognize the Arusha Accord and the TGoB's insistence on maintaining the existing political balance. Key points of contention include the division of power—specifically the demand for a Second Vice-President post—and the reform of the armed forces, including the abolition of the gendarmerie and the control of military zones. Regional mediators from South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania have pursued differing strategies, ranging from military intervention to diplomatic compromise, but have failed to secure a final agreement.

• The peace process in Burundi is deadlocked due to fundamentally conflicting positions: the CNDD-FDD refuses to recognize the validity of the Arusha Accord, while the Transitional Government of Burundi (TGoB) insists that political issues already addressed in the Accord do not need re-negotiation.
• Regional powers are divided on how to resolve the conflict. Uganda and Tanzania have favored a regional military force to compel negotiations, whereas South Africa, Rwanda, and the UN/AU representatives have focused on enforcing unilateral cantonment of rebels and strengthening the African Mission in Burundi (AMIB).
• A primary political obstacle is the CNDD-FDD's demand for a high-ranking position, such as Second Vice-President, which the TGoB rejects as contrary to the spirit of the Arusha Accord and a threat to the existing ethnic and political equilibrium.
• Military reform remains a point of contention, specifically regarding the gendarmerie and territorial control. The CNDD-FDD demands the abolition of the gendarmerie and control of four out of five military zones, while the army wishes to maintain the gendarmerie and keep control of all five zones.
• The September 15-16, 2003 Regional Summit failed to reach an agreement despite the efforts of four regional Heads of State and a technical document produced by experts intended to balance the concerns of both parties.
• The peace process is further complicated by active hostilities on the ground, including attacks on Bujumbura by the FNL-Palipehutu and fierce fighting between the CNDD-FDD and FNL in rural areas.

APA

Gasana, J. M., & Boshoff, H. (2003). Burundi: Critical challenges to the peace process. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/BURUNDISEP03.PDF

Chicago

Gasana, Jean Marie, and Henri Boshoff. Burundi: Critical challenges to the peace process. Institute for Security Studies, 2003. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/BURUNDISEP03.PDF.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Gasana |first1=Jean Marie |last2=Boshoff |first2=Henri |title=Burundi: Critical challenges to the peace process |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=16 September 2003 |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/BURUNDISEP03.PDF |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{gasana2003burundi, author = {Gasana, Jean Marie and Boshoff, Henri}, title = {{Burundi: Critical challenges to the peace process}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2003}, month = sep, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/BURUNDISEP03.PDF}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }