Violence in Burundi has reached an alarming new level.
Burundi's army killed 31 people it described as suspected rebels and
captured 170 others in fighting in the northwestern Cibitoke province on
Monday.
The fighting, some of the worst since political turmoil engulfed the
country in April, has raised fears the country is headed for another civil war.
Military spokesman Col. Gaspard Baratuza said six soldiers were
wounded and nearly 80 assorted weapons were seized.
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| Burundian soldiers and demonstrators (seen above) confront each other in Cibitoke province |
Canesius Ndayimanisha, governor of northern Kayanza province, said
that suspected rebels carried out two attacks inside Burundian territory after entering the country through the Nyungwe forest on the Rwanda
border.
Burundi has been wracked by violence since the ruling party nominated
President Pierre Nkurunziza to be its candidate in presidential elections later
this month.
Opponents say Nkurunziza’s attempt to run for a third term is
unconstitutional.
In May pro-Nkurunziza forces put down an attempted military coup.
At least 77 people have died in sporadic protests in the capital,
Bujumbura, by civilians who say Nkurunziza step down.