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11 police officers injured in Burundi grenade attacks

A soldier runs from a house set ablaze by protestors opposed to Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza in Mugongo-Manga, some 30km east of the capital Bujumbura, on June 5, 2015. (© AFP)

At least 11 police forces have been injured in a series of grenade attacks in the Burundian capital city of Bujumbura.

The grenade attacks were carried out overnight in the capital’s districts of Jabe, Nyakabiga, Citiboke, and Musaga, AFP quoted an unnamed Burundian security official as saying on Saturday.

“Last night, several police posts as well as police vehicles were attacked with grenades. Eleven police officers were wounded, one of them seriously, and police responded with sustained gunfire,” the security source added.

The official blamed the “terrorist attacks” on protesters opposed to Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial bid to run for a third time in the country’s presidential elections, saying they “have changed their methods.”

Reports also said the sounds of blasts and heavy exchange of fire were constantly heard in Bujumbura overnight.

On Friday, the UN special rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence said no election can be held in the African country due to the flagrant violations of human rights.

Pablo de Greiff, the UN special rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence

“Voters must be free to support or to oppose any political party…without undue influence or coercion of any kind which may distort or inhibit the free expression of the elector’s will,”  Pablo de Greiff said, adding that the country’s officials have glaringly failed “to respect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

The UN expert underscored that the democratic legitimacy of the Burundian government depends on “the absence of coercion and repression … access to media and the possibility to organize meetings,” saying such criteria are largely absent in the restive state.

Protesters opposed to Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza's third term stand beside a burning vehicle during a demo in the Buyenzi neighborhood of the capital Bujumbura, May 26, 2015. (© AFP)

The clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces have claimed the lives of over 70 people, mostly civilians, in Burundi since the onset of violence in late April, according to the country’s influential rights group Aprodeh. Hundreds of others were also injured and jailed during weeks of political unrest in the African country.

Protesters say that Nkurunziza’s re-election bid runs counter to the country’s constitution and the Arusha Agreements, which ended a deadly 12-year civil war in 2005.

The chaotic situation was exacerbated in the country after Major General Godefroid Niyombare, a former intelligence chief, launched a failed coup attempt in May.

FNR/MKA/HMV


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