Protests continue in Burundi: truce ends after opposition leader assassination

Posted: 25/05/2015

Protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza's third term bid continued to escalate yesterday, 24 May 2015. Opposition parties officially ceased talks with the government on 24 May following the assassination of opposition leader Zedi Feruzi from the Union for Peace and Development (UPD) party on Saturday.

Reports indicate that Feruzi was shot and killed along with one of his bodyguards in a seemingly targeted attack in the capital Bujumbura.

Thousands marched and built roadblocks in Bujumbura streets later on 24 May for Feruzi's funeral. Many opposition activists have gone into hiding following Feruzi's death, fearing additional targeted attacks. Protesters have, however, announced plans to increase demonstrations in Bujumbura in the assassination's wake.

Several grenade explosions impacted Bujumbura in recent days, including an attack on 23 May in a market area that killed at least two people. Demonstrators in Bujumbura continued to erect barricades of stone and burn tires in the streets, causing traffic disruptions throughout in the city.

Several prominent Burundian political and civil figures accused the pro-Nkurunziza youth party of arresting suspected opposition members, and torturing residents of Bujumbura under the direction of high-ranking military and police officials. Unrest also began to spread outside of the capital city, albeit to a lesser degree. Protesters burned electoral ballots in locations outside of Bujumbura; such was the case on 22 May in Ijenda, a small town 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Bujumbura.

Military and police presence on the streets in Bujumbura is likely to remain high in the coming days, due in part to the burning of electoral ballots ahead of upcoming elections.

While Bujumbura International Airport (HBBA/BJM) and the borders remain open, there are an increased number of checkpoints and barricades, and travelers are likely to experience delays or be stopped by security forces.

Travel to the airport

Ground travel to the airport should not be undertaken without first confirming that the route is clear and that the flight is still on schedule. Any ground movements should be conducted with only the most stringent security measures in place, and travellers should avoid transiting areas where there are demonstrations. Routes out of the country are heavily impacted by roadblocks and checkpoints; as such, ground travel to border areas is not recommended.

RPS would recommend that any travellers who do not need to be there consider leaving the country when they can. The situation is unpredictable at present and the security situation is fluid.

Contact [email protected] for any travel queries.

With thanks to AIG Travel for their update on the situation in Burundi.

Photo: www.lonelyplanet.com

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