Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides) - A strong explosion occurred near a Catholic convent in Bujumbura, capital of Burundi. The incident occurred yesterday, January 4. "We do not know well what happened", refer to Agenzia Fides local sources who requested anonymity. "There has been talk of mortar fire but the explosion was too strong and we think it was a bomb". "We are verifying the news because authorities say that in the recent blasts that hit the capital a dozen policemen died, but in reality we are not sure what happened. What is certain is that in the explosion near the monastery a woman was injured", say the sources.
Burundi seems to be sinking into a civil war with consequences that even extend to neighboring countries. "The latest news from the radio report that in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sunday, January 3 a member of the pro-government militias, Imbonerakure was killed, while one knows that the opponents of President Pierre Nkurunziza who took refuge in Kenya are threatened with death by members of Imbonerakure infiltrated in the Kenyan territory", say the sources.
In Bujumbura the bodies of people killed by "death squads" are found every day. "The police and militia close to the President, kidnap people and in some cases demand ransoms in exchange for their release; otherwise they kill them. Violence on women and girls by the police and militia are increasing. The situation is becoming more and more dangerous and worrisome", concludes Fides sources. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 05/01/2016)
AFRICA/DR CONGO - Update after the reactions sparked by a publication by Fides Agency on Cardinal Ambongo
AFRICA/DR CONGO - Cardinal Ambongo: “The situation in Goma is serious. We fear widespread insecurity in the east of the DRC”