Burundi: Militants ambush soldiers near Bujumbura August 5

Event

Police sources confirmed that a military convoy was ambushed while traveling through the town of Gihanga (located approximately 15 km [9 mi] from Bujumbura) on the night (local time) of Sunday, August 5. Unidentified gunmen killed at least three soldiers and wounded five others while they were traveling to Rukoko. As of Tuesday, August 7, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

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.

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.