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Constitutional Reform: Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi

Implementations

Constitutional Reform – 2003

Not all major parties to the conflict signed the agreement until 2003. During this three year gap, implementation of the constitutional reform provision began.

An interim constitution was adopted in 2001 for the transitional period until 2005. During debate on the draft constitution, Tutsi lawmakers boycotted constitutional meetings on issues related to power-sharing provisions in the accord.¹

“Burundi’s Tutsi lawmakers boycott constitution meeting,” Agence France Presse, September 4, 2004.

Constitutional Reform – 2004

On 17 September 2004, the Burundian parliament approved the draft constitution.² The parliament-approved constitution was approved in referendum that took place on 28 February 2005 in which 92.02% voters approved the new constitution.³

“Parliament approves draft constitution,” BBC Sumary of World Broadcasts, September 17, 2004.
“Elections in Burundi,” African Elections Database, accessed February 18, 2013, http://africanelections.tripod.com/bi.html#2010_Presidential_Election.

Constitutional Reform – 2005

After approval in the referendum, President Domitien Ndayizeye ratified the constitution on 19 March 2005.⁴ The constitution came into effect immediately.

“Burundi constitution becomes law as country continues to heal wounds,” Agence France Presse, March 19, 2005.”

Constitutional Reform – 2006

New democratic constitution based on a power sharing formula between the Hutus and Tutsis came into effect in March 2005.