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A Burundi regroupment camp at Maramvya in Bujumbura Rurale was closed by the government on Monday, Burundi army spokesman Longin Minani told IRIN. He added the process of dismantling the controversial camps would "continue depending on security".
"There are people who were excited about the destruction of the camp although several others refused to leave
because they are afraid they would be attacked," Minani said. "For such, we allow them to stay on because it is our duty to protect them," he added.
Humanitarian organisations contacted by IRIN on Monday said they had not confirmed the closure of the camp.
Last week Burundian Foreign Minister Severin Ntahomvukiye was quoted by the Burundi radio as saying the dismantling would take place "in several phases" but begin on Monday 7 February. According to Ntahomvukiye, the closing of the sites is not due to pressure on the government. "Closing of the camps will be carried out progressively depending on the satisfactory
restoration of security," he said.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions