Security forces in Burundi have arrested around 100 suspected anti-government dissidents and seized a number of weapons in a crackdown ahead of next week's presidential
elections.
Police and local officials said 30 assault rifles and ammunition were
seized in the northeastern province of Muyinga.
Provincial governor Aline Maniratunga said approximately 30 supporters
of opposition leader Agathon Rwasa were arrested in the operation as well.
A former rebel leader, Rwasa is now the main opponent of Burundian
President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose bid to stand for a third consecutive
five-year term despite a constitutional two-term limit has sparked months of
civil unrest and an attempted coup in mid-May.
More than 80 arrests were made in northern Burundi following clashes
on Friday near the border with Rwanda.
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| Police in Burundi have arrested approximately 100 dissidents as people prepare for presidential elections |
Burundian rebel general Leonard Ngendakumana -- who took part in the
failed coup in May to topple Nkurunziza – confirmed for Agence France Presse (AFP)
that rebel soldiers were involved in the fighting.
There are fears the current crisis could plunge the impoverished,
landlocked country back into civil war.
Opposition and rights groups argue that weeks of protests and a
violent crackdown by security forces mean free and fair elections are
impossible.
The country has also been left without most of its independent media
outlets, after several radio stations were attacked and destroyed in fighting
during the attempted coup.
Over 70 people have been killed in more than two months of protests,
with over 158,000 refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries, according to the
latest UN figures.