Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides) - "We live in a scary situation, because we fear more violence", say to Fides local sources from Bujumbura, capital of Burundi, after the failed military coup led by General Godefroid Niyombare (see Fides 15/05/2015). "Demonstrations against the third term of President Pierre Nkurunziza continue in different districts of Bujumbura. The city center is blocked, traffic is reduced to 20-30% and only some offices are open" Fides sources said asking for anonymity. "The streets are patrolled by the military because the police are no longer responsible for monitoring events. The population does not want the police in fact, accused of killing at least a dozen protesters in recent days".
Four days after the failure of the coup, the military still appear divided, as shown by the different attitude towards the protesters. "Some behave properly with the demonstrators, while others repress demonstrations with violence" say our sources. Meanwhile at least 100,000 Burundians have sought refuge abroad. "In the provinces of the Country the situation is uncertain because with the closure of radios (see Fides 16/05/2015) it is difficult to receive news about what is happening in the capital".
Twenty military coup were arrested. The President has replaced three Ministers, including the Defense Minister. The Bishops have asked to postpone the elections scheduled for 26 May (the parliamentary and local elections) and on 26 June (the presidential elections) and urged political parties to dialogue. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/05/2015)
