Burundi: The Transition of The Presidency in Burundi

The United States commends today's ceremony of investiture, marking the transition of the Office of the President in the Republic of Burundi from President Pierre Buyoya to President Domitien Ndayizeye. The transition of the Presidency in Burundi is a significant achievement on Burundi's road to a peace, as the three-year transition to a representative, democratically elected government reaches its mid-point.

We commend the achievements of Pierre Buyoya in his tenure as president, and the responsible and constructive role he has played in bringing Burundi to this point where prospects for peace have been strengthened.

The challenges that remain in the implementation of the Arusha Accords, related agreements, and the Transitional Constitution are formidable, and success depends on constructive cooperation and collaboration between President Domitien Ndayizeye and Vice President Alphonse Kadege, as well as all political parties in Burundi.

The United States renews its call for full and complete implementation of the cease-fire agreements between the Government of Burundi and rebel groups in Burundi, and urges Agathon Rwasa's National Liberation Forces to immediately cease hostilities and join the cease-fire.