Rebel attacks spark displacement

A series of rebel attacks on southern Makamba on 13-14 January led to a “massive displacement” of the local population, humanitarian sources report. Two communes particularly hard hit are Mabanda and Kibago. According to official figures, 30,000 people were displaced. Humanitarian sources said the numbers “seem to be exaggerated”, but thousands were forced out of their homes. Most of them are living in schools and administrative buildings that have access to sanitation and safe water. However, several thousands are living in sites that have no such access, the reports say. Although people are returning to their communes, the “situation remains extremely tense”. Rebel tactics appear to have been well coordinated and they are believed to be better armed than in the past. The local population is also well armed.

Meanwhile, unrest continues in Bujumbura rurale. Some 6,800 people - according to government figures - are living in “very basic” conditions at Karinzi IDP site. Many are sheltering in dwellings made of wood and leaves and access to their fields is dependent on military escorts.