The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights meeting at its 28th Ordinary Session in Cotonou, Benin, from 23rd October to 6th November 2000:
Considering the massacres of innocent people committed in Burundi since 21st October 1993;
Considering the effects of the protracted civil war on the economy and well-being of the people of Burundi;
Considering with concern that the on-going armed conflict between the rebels and the Government army has caused serious violations of human rights and freedoms of the people of Burundi;
Expresses its support for the Arusha Peace Agreement for Burundi and urges the conflicting parties to conclude a cease-fire and immediately and unconditionally implement the Arusha Accord signed in Arusha on 28th August 2000;
Congratulates former President Nelson Mandela for the progress achieved through his mediation and exhorts him to continue with his efforts towards achieving lasting peace in Burundi;
Calls upon the rebel groups who have not yet signed the peace agreement concluded under the auspices of former President Nelson Mandela to do so urgently;
Makes an urgent appeal to the Great Lakes countries to give their full support to the peace process and put pressure on all the belligerents to renounce violence;
Calls upon the OAU and UN to take all appropriate measures to put a stop to the hostilities in Burundi and bring the belligerents to give greater importance to negotiation for the resolution of their dispute;
Urges the International Community to support the peace process and settlement of the conflict that has rocked Burundi.
Done in Cotonou, Benin, 6th November 2000.
