Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Fides Service) – “We had a night of calm after a whole week of fighting” local sources in Bujumbura, capital of Burundi, told Fides Service. “Yesterday evening rebel militia of the Front of National Liberation, who had laid the week long siege, withdrew to the hills giving the exhausted city a moment of calm. But it is feared they may be back any moment. In the past few days they launched attacks on three central districts of the capital, Gateke, Mugnaka and Gihosha, with heavy artillery. On Sunday 13 July some shells fell near the cathedral ,fortunately without causing any damage” local sources told Fides Service. “There are no official figures with regard to the number of dead, but for sure a good number of people were killed. Yesterday we counted at least forty bodies, mainly boy-soldiers in the rebel ranks”.
“Despite the conflict, in several churches in Bujumbura Sunday mass was celebrated as usual although many people are unable to leave their homes. Saturday evening masses were held earlier because of the curfew which starts at 6pm”. LM (Fides Service 14/7/2003 EM lines 16 Words: 183)
