87 killed in Burundi violence

The brewing violence in Burundi continued when 87 people were killed in attacks that broke out after three military sites were attacked, local sources say.

The violence witnessed the death of eight security officers while 49 people were captured in connection with the killings, Colonel Gaspard Baratuza revealed.

According to residents in the capital Bujumbura, at least 34 dead bodies were found on the streets with locals accusing the police of taking revenge on civilians but it is not clear if the number of dead people mentioned included the army’s total in violence which has rocked Burundi since April.

Read also: Burundi: 12 killed in overnight army post attack

There have been continued protests since President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his decision to seek a third term in office, which he won in a disputed election in July.

The latest attack saw some of the worst violence since the unrest began. Officials say heavily armed attackers launched co-ordinated early morning assaults on army installations in three areas – Ngagara, Musaga and Mujejuru.

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now