FNL FACTIONS FIGHT IT OUT IN NORTHERN BUJUMBURA

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000629 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/C E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BY PREL PGOV PINR SUBJECT: FNL FACTIONS FIGHT IT OUT IN NORTHERN BUJUMBURA COMMUNES REF: BUJUMBURA 538 ¶1. In the early morning hours of September 3rd and 4th, factions of the Palipehutu-FNL (FNL) engaged in infighting in northern Bujumbura. Embassy sources currently report twelve casualties from the confrontations. The attacks occurred in the Buterere and Kimana communes of Bujumbura, areas of the city off limits to Embassy personnel. ¶2. Multiple media sources report dissension within the FNL regarding its conflict with the Government of Burundi (GOB). They report that rank and file are calling for a cessation of hostilities, while FNL leader Agathon Rwasa and party leadership wish to maintain an armed position against the GOB. The reported infighting on September 3rd and 4th is allegedly between a group loyal to Rwasa and groups preferring a resolution to the GOB-FNL conflict. ¶3. Negotiations between the FNL, the last hold out rebel group from Burundi's 13 year civil war, and the GOB fell apart in July after many months of tenuous and tedious progress (reftel). According to both the GOB and an FNL spokesmen, negotiations are set to resume between the two sides in the immediate future. MOLLER