Page "Politics of Burundi" Paragraph 2

In November 1995, the presidents of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zaire ( currently Democratic Republic of Congo ) announced a regional initiative for a negotiated peace in Burundi facilitated by former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere.

In July 1996, former Burundian President Buyoya returned to power in a bloodless coup.

He declared himself president of a transitional republic, even as he suspended the National Assembly, banned opposition groups, and imposed a nationwide curfew.

Widespread condemnation of the coup ensued, and regional countries imposed economic sanctions pending a return to a constitutional government.

Buyoya agreed in 1996 to liberalize political parties.

Nonetheless, fighting between the army and Hutu militias continued.

In June 1998, Buyoya promulgated a transitional constitution and announced a partnership between the government and the opposition-led National Assembly.

After facilitator Julius Nyerere's death in October 1999, the regional leaders appointed Nelson Mandela as Facilitator of the Arusha peace process.

Under Mandela the peace process has revived and important progress has taken place.