Night of violence: at least 28 people found dead after attacks in Burundi

Burundi’s political violence escalated Saturday as at least 28 people were found shot dead in three neighborhoods in the capital, a day after the government said an unidentified group carried out coordinated attacks on three military installations. A climate of fear has engulfed the capital, Bujumbura, after the sound of battle could be heard throughout the day Friday and sporadic gunfire overnight. Residents hid in their houses leaving only security personnel patrolling the streets. An eyewitness said he counted 21 bodies with bullet wounds in their heads in the Nyakabiga neighborhood Saturday morning.

I fear I can be killed like my friend yesterday, police came to search our house and by chance I escaped. If I had money, I would go buy a passport and flee.

Fidele Muyobera, 22, who works as household help

Some of the dead had their hands tied behind their backs, said the witness, who insisted on anonymity due to safety concerns. It could not be independently verified who killed the 21 but another witness blamed government security forces saying they went after the victims in door-to-door searches. The body of a 14-year-old boy was found in the Jabe neighborhood, the witness said. James Ntunzwenimana was shot dead while going to buy sugar, the witness said.

What is the international community waiting for? Will they intervene when there are no more people in Burundi?

Businessman Gerald Bigirimana, in Nyakabiga

Burundi Africa