UN Security Council extended peacekeeping mission (ONUB) until July 2006, but authorised “temporary redeployment” of some ONUB personnel to DR Congo. Bujumbura requested UN soldiers leave by mid-2006. Mozambique UN peacekeepers began withdrawal 28 December; ONUB and Burundi’s military to develop drawdown plan for remaining troops. Negotiations between government and rebel Front National de Libération (FNL) remained stalled but splinter group argued for talks. Army continued campaign against FNL: since October 120 rebels killed, 600 captured.

UNSG Annan recommended downsizing UN mission (ONUB) from December, with drawdown of 2,000 troops (40% of authorised presence) by April 2006. Proposal came after newly elected Burundi government urged shift in emphasis from peacekeeping to reconstruction and development. Security Council extended UNOB mandate to 15 January 2006. UNOB condemned allegations linking it to FNL rebels after media reported rebels wearing peacekeepers’ uniforms. Clashes between FNL and security forces continued, killing 41 rebels. New commission began identifying political prisoners held throughout country.

Attacks against civilians by rebel National Liberation Forces  denounced  by  human  rights  group.  Government appointed new officials to demobilisation commission and announced preparation of new list of paramilitary youths to be demobilised after protests in Bujumbura by former combatants. UN mission to initiate preparatory talks with government on post-conflict Truth Commission.

Electoral process ended with successful elections for local heads of villages 23 September. Spokesman for last remaining rebel group, National Liberation Forces (FLN), stated armed conflict now over; denied initiating attacks against government that killed 1. FLN refused to recognise new government’s legitimacy; splinter group later called on FLN leader to accept President Nkurunziza’s offer of negotiations. UN Security Council pledged support for “Forum of Partners” to help consolidate peace and promote development in Burundi. South Africa to withdraw over 300 troops protecting political leaders following August elections.

Important milestone in peace process as parliament elected as president Pierre Nkurunziza, head of former Hutu rebel group CNDD-FDD; inaugurated 26 August, formed government 31 August with 60/40 Hutu-Tutsi ratio in accordance with constitution. Local elections to be held 19 and 23 September. National Liberation Forces (FNL) intensified attacks, putting pressure on new government: Bujumbara shelled with mortars 18 August, while military positions in west and north attacked, killing 3 soldiers and 10 rebels. Former FDD rebels handed in weapons to UN 12 August, symbolically renouncing war. Rwanda, Burundi and UNHCR signed repatriation agreement for Burundian refugees.

Largely peaceful parliamentary elections held 4 July with 65% turnout: former Hutu rebel group CNDD-FDD won 58% of vote; President Domitien Ndayizeye's FRODEBU second with 22% - accepted defeat. Senators elected 29 July by communal councillors: CNDD-FDD won majority. MPs and senators to elect president 19 August; CNDD-FDD’s Pierre Nkurunziza only candidate. Despite May 2005 ceasefire, clashes with National Liberation Front rebels continued, extending into central Burundi: some 100 civilians killed.

After several delays, Burundi began series of votes marking end of transitional administration. Former rebel group CNDD-FDD won 57% of vote in communal elections 3 June; parliamentary vote to be held 4 July. Members of President Ndayizeye’s FRODEBU party claimed CNDD-FDD intimidation; 2 FRODEBU candidates killed in northern Bujumbura grenade blast 18 June. Violence by last remaining rebel group - Hutu Forces nationales de libération (FNL) - disrupted Bujumbura voting but no major electoral irregularities reported. Government and FNL agreed to resume ceasefire talks following collapse of earlier 15 May ceasefire; 15 FNL fighters and 100 captured at month-end. UN Security Council passed resolution supporting formation of mixed Burundian truth commission with 3 international and 2 Burundian members to investigate crimes 1962-2000; separate court to try crimes committed between 1972 and 1993. UNHCR expressed concerns over forced repatriation of 5,000 Rwandan refugees fleeing “gacaca” courts.

President Ndayizeye and leader of Forces nationales de liberation (FNL) rebel group, Agathon Rwasa, agreed ceasefire 15 May after Tanzania talks but intermittent fighting near Bujumbura caused collapse 10 days later amidst mutual recriminations. One source claimed 17 unarmed FNL rebels executed by army. Insecurity comes ahead of 3 June local elections. Burundi to reject asylum applications of 7-8,000 Rwandans fleeing “gacaca” courts; Ndayizeye threatened to expel UNHCR and ICRC, alleging support for Rwandans.

Transitional government mandate extended 4 months at Kampala meeting of representatives of 10 African states, after original 22 April election deadline passed; parliamentary poll now scheduled for 4 July and presidential vote for 19 August. Former Hutu rebel group, CNDD-FDD, froze cooperation with government over dispute over nomination for interior minister. Following talks with Tanzanian government, last remaining rebel group, (Hutu) Forces nationales de libération (FNL) declared unilateral ceasefire, expressed willingness for unconditional peace talks. FNL retained right to self-defence, and sporadic violence continued: army attacked FNL bases north of Bujumbura 20 April following rebel ambush, while FNL killed 6 and injured 5 in attack on Gatumba 23 April. South African troops to remain Burundi until March 2006.

Power-sharing constitution accepted by 90% of voters in 28 February referendum, opening path to series of elections, beginning with scheduled 22 April vote. South African mediator Jacob Zuma appeared to reject, then accept, concept of short delay requested by independent electoral commission. Electoral code adopted by National Assembly 11 March; communal law adopted 5 days later. Report released by UN Sec.-Gen. Kofi Annan 28 March called for both non- judicial truth commission (with international involvement) and special chamber within Burundi’s court system to try humanitarian crimes since 1962; government previously indicated preference for single, judicial truth commission.