Burundi: Grenade attack in Bujumbura December 4

Event

A grenade attack targeting a bus stop in the Bwiza area located in the center of the capital Bujumbura injured five people on Monday, December 4. One suspect was later arrested by the police. Two other grenades exploded in deserted areas of the capital on November 30 and December 1, following months of relative calm when no such attacks occurred.

Context

Political violence persists throughout Burundi in the aftermath of the country's contested July 2015 elections. The situation remains particularly fraught in Bujumbura, where the likelihood of politically-motivated outbreaks of violence remains high. Gunfire and grenade attacks by armed groups may occur. A similar attack occurred in August, when a grenade exploded in front of two bars in the Buyenzi district, killing one person.

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.