Burundi: Security forces kill 14 armed men in Bubanza October 22

Event

According to police sources, security forces killed 14 armed men in the district of Musigati (Bubanza province; northwest) on Tuesday, October 22. The men were reportedly coming from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in an attempt to carry out an attack in the area. Four journalists from the Iwacu news website were later reportedly arrested after trying to report on the violence. As of Wednesday, October 23, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Further incidents are possible in the near term.

Context

Political violence has persisted throughout Burundi over the past four years after the country's contested July 2015 elections. Nkurunziza was elected to a controversial third term in 2015 even though Burundian law stipulated a maximum presidential tenure of two five-year terms prior to the referendum. While the country appears to be experiencing a period of relative calm (certainly in comparison to the violent outbreaks witnessed in 2015 and 2016), the situation remains worrisome. The risk of politically motivated outbreaks of violence remains, especially ahead of the 2020 presidential elections.

On May 2017, a referendum was organized to decide whether to extend presidential terms from the current five years to seven, among other reasons. The changes limit the president to two consecutive terms but do not take into account previous terms, allowing current President Pierre Nkurunziza to remain in power until 2034. Although Nkurunziza later stated he won't run in 2020, his intention remains unclear as of October 2019.

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.