Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides) - The Burundian authorities have announced the discovery of illegal weapons caches, the arrest of hundreds of suspected rebels, and have released pictures of the arsenal discovered. "The opposition argues that it was staged by the government to scare the population on the eve of the presidential elections" local sources told Agenzia Fides from Bujumbura, capital of Burundi, asking for anonymity.
"The situation is ever more confusing and it is difficult to disentangle the rumors circulating in the country", adds our source. "What is certain is that in Burundi there are incidents of violence. Two nights ago gunfire was heard in Bujumbura. Some say that those responsible are rebels, others pro-government militias".
"In the north of Burundi, there were clashes between the army and a rebel group, consisting largely of former soldiers, who rebelled against the decision of President Pierre Nkurunziza to run for a third term, although the Constitution provides for only two. As known, the army is divided over whether the outgoing head of state will stay in power after the expiry of his second term".
Meanwhile the presidential elections scheduled on July 15, have been postponed by one week, to 21 July.
To try to resolve the political crisis, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, in charge of the mediation on behalf of the East African Community, is in Bujumbura. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/07/2015)
