Bujumbura — Al Hajj Hussein Radjabu, the former leader of the ruling party, CNDD-FDD, appeared before the Supreme Court Yesterday. He defended himself against the charges of holding a meeting with demobilised combatants with the aim of disturbing the republic and outraging the head of state. Hussein Radjabu denied all the charges brought against him and is set to appear before the Supreme Court again today.

Many supporters of Hussein Radjabu attended the hearings which in theory started before yesterday. In the past, the government would prevent Radjabu's rural supporters from coming to the city to attend these hearings. Hussein Radjabu's dismissal as the leader of CNDD-FDD has created two wings within the party and greatly altered the balance of power in the parliament.