Deputy President Jacob Zuma is facilitating the Burundi power sharing talks aimed at restoring lasting peace in the Great Lakes Region. The talks began on Tuesday in an undisclosed venue in North West province between the Transitional Government of Burundi led by President Domitien Ndayizeye and the CNDD-FDD movement of Pierre Nkurunziza.

Lakela Kaunda, Zuma spokesperson said the talks were aimed at implementing the cease-fire agreement signed in December 2002. In terms of the ceasefire agreement, the CNDD-FDD is to participate in the transitional institutions of Burundi such as the government, national assembly and security apparatus. The implementation talks are aimed at working out the areas of participation and integration. Zuma has so far expressed his satisfaction with the progress made so far, regarding attaining peace in the region. Kaunda said the two parties presented their respective ideas on power sharing and transformation of the military, and 'these need to be harmonised to arrive at a common workable agreement.' “The Deputy President is encouraged by the commitment displayed by the two parties, and is confident that the issues being discussed will be finalised soon to further advance the implementation process,” said Kaunda.

The talks are scheduled to end tomorrow. – BuaNews.