Burundi: Grenade attack in Bujumbura August 17

Event

A grenade attack targeting two bars in the Buyenzi district of the capital Bujumbura killed one person and injured 29 others on Thursday, August 17. It is unclear who is responsible for the attack.

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 occur here on a regular basis. A similar attack occurred on August 8, when a grenade exploded in front of a bar in the Buyenzi district, killing two people. 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 havre been accused of targeting political opponents.

In June, the US Department of State issued a warning to its citizens in to Burundi due to political tensions, political and criminal violence, and the potential for civil unrest. 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.