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Rebels force civilians to pay "contributions"

    NAIROBI

    Fearing attacks by rebels of the Forces pour la defense de la democratie, residents of Mbuye, Bukeye, Kiganda and Muramvya communes of central Burundi have been forced to pay contributions to the militants, Burundi news agency, Net Press, reported on Tuesday.

    It said that each household has had to pay 500 Burundian francs (less than US $1) weekly, 1 kg of beans and 1 kg of flour. Those who refuse to contribute have had their houses looted, and cases of the rape of women and young girls have been reported.

    Meanwhile, Radio Bonesha reported on Wednesday that 17 people were killed in a rebel ambush some 3 km from local administrative headquarters in Mabayi Commune, Cibitoke Province of northwestern Burundi. The radio did not specify which rebel group was involved.

    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

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