The inter-Burundian negociations

This publication is likely to please Burundian nationals, and more widely any national or international actors interested in the long Burundian peace process.

It is a crucial and unique work: it is not common for such an important Burundian personality to share his thoughts with a large audience. The author relates the many steps it took to build the "Arusha spirit". Following the mediators' lead -first Nyerere and then Mandela- many taboos and legitimate or fantasized fears had to be overcome. Ethnic issues had to be addressed head-on, without prevarications. This task was considerable, especially in a context of civil war.

President Buyoya's book is not only a lively, precise and well-documented personal account; it also constitutes an in depth analysis of Burundi's tragic history and draws lessons that could be applied in other countries facing similar crisis.

The author writes is a deeply involved key player, and he is fully aware of the importance of his role and responsibilities. However, he claims no preeminence. His modesty must be celebrated: the author portrays the men and women, from Burundi and elsewhere, who were fully dedicated to the negotiation process. They all believed that the negotiations could bring about not only the end of violence but also the emergence of a new and fairer Burundian society.

The Arusha Agreement enabled the Burundian people to escape from the spiral of violence in which it was trapped. However, the author is lucid and realizes that Arusha is not sufficient: it remains a perfectible starting point.

President Buyoya stands for his convictions with sincerity and shares his doubts and hopes with the reader. This is what makes this book particularly valuable.