Friday, June 19, 2009

After 16 Years Of War, Burundi Rebels Start New Lives

Photo: New role: Former rebels assembled at a camp near Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, last month. Many are being integrated into the country’s security forces. Jean Pierre Aime Harerimana/ Reuters

From The Christian Science Monitor:


The last rebel group has laid down its guns, but land disputes are complicating their reintegration.

Rubira Assembly Camp, Burundi - After eight years as a foot soldier in one of Africa's bloodiest ethnic conflicts, former rebel Christophe Manana is being sent home with $40, two pairs of pants, and a cheap transistor radio. In a month's time, he will receive another $40. Then he will be on his own.

"How am I meant to start a new life with this?" asked Mr. Manana after being handed a new Burundian identity card and herded toward a truck bound for his old home. "After everything I've been through, how can they give me so little?"

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My Comment: They may have laid down their arms, but the bitterness is still there. Throw in tribalism and land disputes, this "peace" can become very short lived.

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