Burundi: Militants kill 26 people in Cibitoke province May 11

Event

Unidentified militants killed at least 26 people and wounded seven others in Cibitoke province late on Friday, May 11 (local time). The assailants were reportedly armed with guns and machetes and began their attack on a village in the province around 22:00, shooting and hacking residents and burning homes. Alain Guillaume Bunyoni, Burundian security minister, claimed that the militants were from adjacent Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The attack comes amid a period of heightened political tensions ahead of a constitutional referendum on Thursday, May 17, which could extend presidential terms from five to seven years and allow President Pierre Nkurunziza to maintain his rule for 14 additional years after his current mandate expires in 2020. It is largely expected that the proposed constitutional amendments will pass. While it is unclear if Friday's attack was connected to the referendum, additional acts of violence, including political violence, are possible in Burundi ahead of the vote on May 17. Political demonstrations, clashes between opposition protesters and security forces, and arrests are also possible in advance of the constitutional referendum.

Context

Political violence persists throughout Burundi nearly three years after the country's contested July 2015 elections. Nkurunziza was elected to a controversial third term in 2015 even though Burundian law stipulates a maximum presidential tenure of two five-year terms. The security situation particularly remains worrisome in Bujumbura, where there is an elevated risk of politically motivated outbreaks of violence. In February, Burundian police threatened to arrest individuals who campaign too early against the referendum and disturb public order; dozens of opposition members have already been detained in recent months for promoting a no vote.

Advice

Individuals present in Burundi should keep abreast of the situation and maintain a high level of vigilance at all times. Be extremely vigilant in crowded places such as churches, markets, cafés, and bus stations.