Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Fides Service) - To help Burundi solve its complex electoral problems African heads of states and governments of central and eastern Africa are attending a regional summit which opens today 14 October in Nairobi Kenya.
This is a delicate moment for Burundi. The interim period was supposed to end on 31 October with elections. However a referendum to approve a new Constitution was postponed sine die on 30 September (see Fides 1 October 2004) and consequently so were elections.
The present “interim” institutions parliament and the president were formed on the basis of agreements in Arusha, Tanzania in 2000 which stipulated power sharing between Hutu and Tutsi parties to overcome years of diffidence among these tribal groups with 18 months with a Tutsi president and Hutu vice-president and 18 months vice versa. Now this time has come to an end.
Diplomatic sources in Nairobi the summit will decide to prolong the mandate of President, Domitien Ndayizeye which expires on 1 November until after the elections. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 14/10/2004 righe 20 parole 244)
