Tanzania denies recruiting refugees

Tanzania has denied recruiting Burundi rebels in refugee camps on its territory to fight the Burundi government. According to Tanzanian media reports, Foreign Minister Jakaya Kikwete told parliament on Thursday his country would not allow refugees to use Tanzania as a base from which to launch rebel attacks. “We know our responsibility towards refugees and the responsibility of the refugees towards their own countries and the host countries,” he said. “If they [Burundi authorities] allege there are external problems, then these are not in Tanzania.” Any refugees found to be planning attacks against their country were “severely” dealt with, he added.