5 December 2008
Kampala — THE Government of Burundi and the opposition Party, the Pelipehutu led by Agathon Rwasa, have signed a peace agreement at a ceremony presided over by President Yoweri Museveni.
President Museveni is the regional Chairperson of the Burundi Peace Initiative.
The signing ceremony took place on Thursday in the Burundi's capital of Bujumbura during a one-day summit. It was witnessed by regional leaders who included the Zambian President, Rupia Banda and the Vice-President of Kenya, Kalonzo Musyoka.
Other regional leaders were the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Musengo Punda and the President of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping.
According to a statement from State House, under the Peace Agreement, the President of Pelipehutu Party, Agathon Rwasa, agreed on behalf of his party, to have their fighters assemble in designated areas, change the name of the party in line with the Burundi Constitutional requirements and the 33 senior members of the party to be absorbed in Burundi government.
Other issues agreed upon include the release of all political prisoners, combatants to assemble at designated points and civilians to resettle in their homes.
President Museveni expressed appreciation that power in Burundi is now derived from the people.
He hailed the three dimension package that involved national, regional and international efforts, describing the approach as the most effective in solving problems.
President Museveni also noted that the strategy had worked well in Southern Sudan and South Africa.
Burundi president, Pierre Nkurunziza appreciated the initiative for their contribution to the peace process in his country.
He, however, called on the regional leaders to ensure that permanent peace is realised.
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