A week after violence rocked Bujumbura, leaving scores dead some semblance of normality has returned to Burundi’s capital. The UNited Nations has accused Burundi’s security forces of summary executions, arrests and houses to house raids. A claim rejected by authorities, who say the military acted in a professional manner.
Crowds are back on the streets, most businesses have reopened and the roads are witnessing traffic once again. But beneath the surface, it is clear the city is still on edge with a heavy security presence ( both police and military) at virtually very corner you turn into. There are numerous road blocks in and around the city, attempts to speak to people are met with silence for fear of reprisals and suspicion at whoever may be eavesdropping.
The African Union says it is concerned about the reports of people forced to flee from their homes and the continuing flow of refugees, a sentiment echoed by the international committee of the Red Cross.
“According to sources we have about 200,000 people who have fled abroad, what we don’t know at the moment is the number of people displaced internally” Says Shahin Ammane, International Committee, Red Cross
And with several Donor countries withdrawing budget support as a result of the violence, the impact is having far reaching effects on the population.
“for us the main concern is how people are suffering from the situation and how they will cope knowing that now the main urgent thing is food, medical supplies and how people wounded in the violence will be treated in hospitals” Shahin Ammane, International Committee, Red Cross
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki moon is sending a special envoy to hold talks with regional governments and authorities in Bujumbura. There is a fear, this small East African nation is spiraling towards civil war, worse still, genocide. On the streets, resignation that more violence is to come.
The Friday attacks against military installations were well coordinated and organized no one has yet claimed responsibility further complicating any process to stabilize the country and restore peace.
