8 February 2000
President Thabo Mbeki received President Pierre Buyoya of Burundi in Cape Town today. The two Presidents discussed the situation in Burundi and the Great Lakes Region. President Buyoya briefed President Mbeki about latest developments. He expressed thanks to the South African President for enabling and supporting former President Nelson Mandela's mediation efforts in Burundi. He reiterated the Burundi Government's commitment to the peace process and said that he looks forward to the added impetus that Mr. Mandela will bring to the process.
President Buyoya also expressed hope that the international community would support and contribute to the socio-economic development of Burundi so as to alleviate the extreme poverty and hardship endured by the people due to the devastating effects of the war and sanctions.
Both President Buyoya and President Mbeki agreed that durable peace cannot be achieved if all Burundi groupings, inside and outside the country do not participate and commit themselves to a peaceful resolution of the Burundi conflict. Another critical issue is that the security and peace of Burundi is closely linked to that of the Great Lakes Region in general and the implementation of the Lusaka Agreement.
President Thabo Mbeki reassured President Buyoya of continued support from the South African Government for the Burundi peace process.
Issued by the Office of the Presidency
8 February 2000
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