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Hutus and Tutsis - The Conflict
The Hutu's and Tutsis have been fighting in the east African country of Burundi for almost 11 years. It has killed over 300,000 people including civilians, and has made many more homeless. In order for a person to have a hope of any kind of security they would need to have a bodyguard. The Tutsis, who are the minority, have controlled the government, for the most part, since the country won its independence in 1962. There was a Hutu President, Melchior Ndadaye, elected in 1993 but he was assassinated a few months later. There has been civil unrest and attempts to wipe out whole groups of people during this conflict. This reminds many of the Apartheid that took place in South Africa. Leader and Continent statesman Nelson Mandela and his country, South Africa, have taken the role as primary peace brokers and mediator. There have been bodyguards set in place to protect important people, and Mandela has given numerous speeches that have helped with the peacekeeping efforts.
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In August of 2000 the present Tutsi president, Pierre Buyoya, signed an agreement, the Arusha Accord, which would yield free election for the next president. This was one of the first steps in ushering in a Hutu- Tutsi transitional government. Most of the Tutsis feel that this will cause discrimination and have opposed the agreement, some with banners that proclaim, "South Africans go home". When President Buyoya steps down this could cause a major upheaval in Burundi. This could not only cause harm to many more Hutus and Tutsi but also South African bodyguards and officials. This could cause a major problem. There are now many precautions being put in place to keep rebel damage to a minimum.
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Many feel that South Africa has gotten involved in this conflict for personal reasons. Some says it's to establish ties with Central Africa. But South African President, Thabo Mbeski, says that South Africa wants to drive conflict resolution in Africa. I feel that South Africa should allow the United Nations to help in the peace making efforts. This will allow more resources to be used in rebel control. They would also have the support of most of the world in any action that they take. And that would add to the overall goal of world peace.
Written By: Tristan
Edited By: David
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Created by : AOIT Web Class
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