Burundi: Political landscape "radically transformed" by elections

Elections have radically transformed Burundi's political landscape, says the International Crisis Group. "The success of the former CNDD-FDD rebels, including the selection of Pierre Nkurunziza as president on 19 August, gives the party control of all branches of government. Concurrently, the security sector has been profoundly restructured with CNDD-FDD fighters now making up 40 per cent of the army. They provide a safeguard against attempted coups to interrupt the peace process and thus a guarantee that further reforms required under the Arusha agreement for peace and reconciliation will be realised." The ICG says that nonetheless the elections are just one step towards lasting peace.