Towards Durable Democracy in Burundi _PRIO Paper 2009_

The main rebel movements, the CNDD-FDD and the Palipehutu-FNL, however, refused to sign the agreement, and it would take years of fighting and negotiations before the largest rebel group, the CNDD-FDD, agreed to the implementation of the agreement.16 Although the CNDD-FDD never fully accepted the content of the Arusha Agreement, this paved the way for their integration into state and military inst. [...] Although this led to a reactivation of parliamentary activities, the replacement of the MPs was strongly criticized by the political opposition, and raised questions of the independency of the judiciary.29 Furthermore, the CNDD- FDD´s dominance over the Constitutional Court has created a dangerous precedent of violation of the Constitution and removal of checks on power, which may affect the polit. [...] Furthermore, if the FNL chooses to participate in the scheduled 2010 elections, the possibility of a return to ethnic-based politics exists, as the movement adamantly disputes the validity of the ethnic quota system formalized by the Constitution.49 Preparations for the 2010 Elections In the context of the above, there are widespread worries about the elections scheduled for 2010. [...] The avoidance of the CNDD-FDD to include other political parties in the peace negotiations bothered the opposition greatly, and in revenge it tried to take advantage of the CNDD-FDD’s failure to negotiate a solution to the conflict, to halt the peace process and put the ruling party in a bad light prior to the upcoming elections. [...] Address human rights violations: Based on the revelation of the involvement of the SNR in a number of illegal intimidations and arrests of opposition politicians and civil society representatives, the role and power of the SNR should be thoroughly revised in a consensual manner by the parties in the coalition government.