Tanzania's role in Burundi's peace process
Date
2009-10-15T12:07:30Z
Authors
Ameir, Said J K
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement was signed in Arusha Tanzania in
August 2000. This was a result of countless efforts involving countless players; a process
which took nearly six years to find a durable solution to the decades - long Burundi crisis.
Tanzania government is one of these players.
This study therefore focuses on the role of Tanzania in the Burundi’s Peace Process. The
primary argument put forth by the study is that Tanzania played multiple roles including
mediation and facilitation, hosting peace talks and Burundi refugees. The study argues
that whereas moral obligation could be counted for Tanzania’s involvement, the negative
impacts of the Burundi crisis to Tanzania were central to its engagement. The negative
impacts were perceived by Tanzanian government authorities as a threat to its national
interests, hence warranted a direct response.
The study acknowledges that Tanzania’s mediation and facilitation roles were marred by
two controversial issues namely; being perceived as ‘biased’ (in favour of the Hutus and
hostile to the Tutsis) and also as one which favoured military solutions to the conflict as
opposed to other approaches advocated by other players. These allegations are discussed
to determine their authenticity and conclusions are made.
The study also examines whether or not the coming of Nelson Mandela (and South Africa
for that matter) did influence Tanzania’s role and the conclusion is that it did influence
because competition for influence between the two countries was obvious when Mandela
replaced Mwalimu Nyerere as the major facilitator. The point raised here is that whereas
Tanzania wanted to preserve and continue with its influence in the sub-region, South
Africa on its part wanted to use that opportunity to penetrate both politically and
diplomatically on the one hand and consolidate its economic presence in the sub-region
on the other hand.
The study asserts that although Burundi has managed to sign the Arusha Accord, secure
ceasefire agreements between the Government and the rebel movements and successfully
completed the transitional period, the country still faces many challenges which it needs
to overcome if it is to build a new, peaceful and united society. In this regard, the study
recommends continued support and responsibility by regional states and the international
community coupled with close monitoring of the situation in the country. Besides, the
study recognises that Tanzania’s role will still remain influential for many years to come
in the peace building process in Burundi.