Burundi: Fatal grenade explosion in Bujumbura August 8

Event

A fatal grenade attack targeting a bar on 7eme Avenue in the Buyenzi district of the capital Bujumbura killed two people and injured a further five on Wednesday, August 8. Unidentified attackers reportedly threw two grenades into the bar, only one of which exploded; the other was defused by security forces the next day. The assailant(s) responsible for the attack managed to escape and remain unknown.

Context

Political violence persists throughout Burundi in the aftermath of the country's contested July 2015 elections. Gunfire and grenade attacks by armed groups occur on a regular basis. Most recently, on July 16, grenade exploded in front of a bar in the Bwiza district of Bujumbura, injuring ten people. Furthermore, a number of political opposition parties, human rights organizations, and international NGOs have voiced concerns over the continuation of political violence against the opposition in recent months. Security forces and members of the youth wing of the ruling party Imbonerakure are accused of targeting opponents in violent attacks.

The situation in Burundi remains worrisome, particularly in Bujumbura, where the chance of politically motivated outbreaks of violence remains. On June 23, the United States Department of State issued a warning to its citizens regarding underlying risks associated with travel to Burundi due to political tensions, political and criminal violence, and the potential for civil unrest. Due to security concerns, the US government restricts diplomatic travel in certain areas of Burundi, including nighttime travel outside of the capital Bujumbura and trips to the Bujumbura neighborhoods of Cibitoke, Gasenyi, Kamenge, Kinama, Musaga, Mutakura, and Ngagara.

Advice

Individuals present in Burundi should avoid public gatherings, especially those with no visible security presence, and are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance at all times in crowded places such as churches, markets, cafés, and bus stations. Common flashpoints where violence more frequently takes place should be avoided, including Bujumbura's Cibitoke, Jabe, Kamenge, Kanyosha, Kinama, Musaga, Mutakura, Ngagara, and Nyakabiga neighborhoods, as well as Bujumbura Rural province.