Until quite recently, Burundi seemed like the Central African country with the best record of post-conflict progress. The country achieved majority rule in 2005 after a tragic history and cruel civil war and a complex peace process. The war ended with the signing of the Arusha Peace Agreement in August 2000. It was only in November 2003 that the most significant rebel group - the CNDD-FDD - was integrated within the army. This integration immediately normalised the security situation, except in some areas where the FNL, the other main rebel movement, continued its armed struggle. In 2005, CNDD/ FDD won elections which were considered free and transparent by local and international observers. They provided a clear result that was accepted by all players from the political and military landscape. In August 2005, CNDD-FDD leader, Pierre Nkurunziza, was sworn in as President of the Republic. In spite of pressure put on them by the authorities, press and civil society continued to play a significant role in the country. The division between Hutus and Tutsis was no longer seen as the cause of all the country's problems and the army no longer functions as the instrument of one community to protect its [...]
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