Burundi: Armed assailants kill at least 12 and injure five in Muramvya, May 9

Event

Suspected bandit killed at least 12 people, including a Burundian colonel, and injured five others in Muramvya, Muramvya Province, during the evening of May 9. Approximately ten assailants reportedly ambushed four civilian vehicles, including a local transportation bus, on the outskirt of the city center; the exact location of the attack is unclear. There has been no claim for the incident yet. The motives remain unclear but preliminary reports stipulate that the incident was financially motivated. The casualty toll may increase. Muramvyaa is located at around 50 km (31 miles) east of Bujumbura.

Authorities will likely maintain heightened security in the affected area over the coming days as they investigate the incident. Security-related operations could result in localized road travel disruptions.

Advice

Monitor updates. Avoid the area until security personnel have completed their investigation. Plan accordingly for road travel disruptions and heed the instructions of security officials.