Political demonstrations turn deadly in Burundi as president seeks 3rd term

April 28, 2015

Political demonstrations in Burundi have turned violent, resulting in several deaths, as protesters oppose President Pierre Nkhurunziza’s campaign to win a third term.

Father Emmanuel Ruba-gum-ya, an official of the Caritas relief agency in neighboring Rwanda, told Vatican Radio that following the bloodshed, police in Burundi blocked the nation’s borders as well as the road leading into the capital city, Bujumbura. However, he said that 20,000 refugees from Burundi have already found their way into Rwanda, where they are temporarily housed in refugee camps.

Father Emmanuel Ruba-gum-ya said that mounting tensions could erupt in new violence as the June elections in Burundi approach.

 

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Further information:

• Caritas Rwanda aids refugees fleeing violence in Burundi (Vatican Radio)