The Guardians of the Peace (French: Gardiens de la Paix) were a pro-government paramilitary militia active in Burundi during the Burundian Civil War (1993–2006). It is believed to have existed between 1997 and 2005. According to the government, the militia was primarily intended to secure the rural areas against rebel groups as part of a policy of "civilian self-defence". Its members were armed but not uniformed. It was founded by Colonel Ascension Twagiramungu and is believed to have recruited primarily among adolescents, children and former anti-government rebels in rural Burundi. Although recognised as a semi-official organisation, the Guardians of the Peace were never a single entity and instead consisted of autonomous regional groups.