Rights group warns of "explosive" situation

Meanwhile, a Burundian human rights group on Friday described the situation as "explosive" with tensions mounting and the violence "becoming deadlier" as the country approaches the end of the Arusha peace process. In a letter to international human rights organisations, ITEKA said peace negotiations were advancing at a "forced pace", ethno-centric passions were high, radical wings were emerging within main political parties, the population's living conditions were rapidly deteriorating and there was a feeling of "imminent chaos." At least 80 civilians were killed by violence around Bujumbura during August alone, it said. ITEKA called on the international community to pressure the belligerents into agreeing to a ceasefire.