Rwanda: April 19, 2001

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On, April 18 a group of young Burundian Army officers attempted a coup against the Buyoya government. The officers and their troops took over the Burundi state radio station in Bujumbura and held it for several hours. The group called themselves The National Youth Patriotic Front. The coup failed. A subsequent report said the group of rebel officers also tried to close the Bujumbura airport and the state tv station. On April 19 a Burundian Army spokesman, Col. Augustin Nzabampema, said that the mutineers surrendered to loyalists. The coup leader was identified as Lieutenant Pasteur Ndakarutimana. About 40 soldiers participated, including four cadets from the armys officers' training college (identified by its acronym, ISCAM). Apparently, several other cadets attempted to join the mutiny but ran away when they encountered pro-government troops. The coup may be an indication of stirring internal Tutsi rivalries as well as disenchantment with the Arusha peace process. Western sources report that Lieutenant Ndakarutimana is a Tutsi from Muranvya Province. He may well be a protege of Colonel Epitace Bayagandakndi, a Tutsi who some Burundians believe is interested in becoming president. Muranvya Province is regarded as something of a rival of Bururu province, President Buyoyas home region. Lieutenant Ndakarutimana said he wasnt completely opposed to the Nelson Mandela-sponsored peace talks but believes Buyoya is not acting in Burundis long-term interests. However, its public knowledge that a number of young Tutsi officers do oppose President Pierre Buyoyas policy of negotiating with Hutu rebels. Yes, the coup attempt looks to be hasty, ineptly led, and poorly planned. Yet the attempt is another indication that at the moment any peace agreement between the Burundian government and Hutu leaders will be rejected by hardliners in both major tribes. Hardline Tutsis, particularly in the Burundian Army, wont accept it, hardline Hutu guerrillas wont buy it either.

 

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