Burundi: Grenade attack in Kayanza province May 1

Event

A grenade attack wounded 15 people at approximately 19:00 (local time) on Tuesday, May 1, in the village of Karurusi, located in Gatara district (Kayanza province). According to local sources, one suspect was identified and arrested. The motivation for the attack remains unknown as of Tuesday evening.

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. A grenade attack killed two people and wounded 14 more in Gitega on April 1.

Advice

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