Burundi pays homage to Zuma

Zuma welcomes NPA decision to prosecute him

Political parties in Burundi have paid homage to Jacob Zuma, the former deputy president. They say his dismissal has dealt a heavy blow to that country's peace process. Zuma was released from his duties by President Thabo Mbeki yesterday in Parliament.

Since taking over the role of mediator from Nelson Mandela, the former president, three years ago, Zuma has played a significant role in pushing the war ravished central African nation's transitional process forward. During his time as mediator, the former deputy president, succeeded in getting the government and the former main rebel group, the Forces for the Defence of Democracy (FDD), to sign an agreement in 2003. An agreement that brought peace to 16 of Burundi's 17 provinces.

Romofene Karim, the FDD spokesperson, says they are saddened by Zuma's dismissal, but at the same time they respect Mbeki's decision. Karim further says he fears that the parties that were against the reforms from the start may now use this incident to discredit the reconciliation efforts. He is, however, adamant that Zuma should not be relieved from his mediation duties.

The move by President Thabo Mbeki has widely been regarded as very courageous and crucial in Africa's drive to improved self-governance. Some say it has definitely strengthened Africa's case at next month's G8 summit in Scotland, by showing the world that it is committed to tackling the scourge of graft. Karim says it also shows South Africa and the continent's maturity when it comes to living up to the principals of good governance, as promoted by the African Union (AU).

Under an extended transitional period, Burundi will hold a series of six elections by August 19 and a new government will be sworn in on August 26. The first vote, namely the local elections, was held two weeks ago and saw the FDD claim an overall victory. The elections are considered a key test of strength for the main parties and for democracy in the tiny central African country.

A senior cabinet minister in Kenya has meanwhile described Zuma's dismissal as "a painful, but necessary sacrifice."