Army training civilians for self defence

Independent security sources in Burundi told IRIN that the security situation in most parts of the country was “calm” but “volatile”. “The situation can always change anytime,” a source said. The army is taking necessary precautions and has embarked on training the population on self defence. “They are also trying their best to flush out the rebels in [the northwest] Kibira forest,” he noted. He said apart from the rebel incursions, the recent increase in food and commodity prices could also be a potential cause for social unrest among the population. “With the new prices yet their salaries remain the same, they lack the purchasing power,” he said. “But so far, there has been no reaction.” He mentioned a likelihood of increase in attacks by rebels if the “negotiations do not satisfy their expectations”.

Defence Minister Cyrille Ndayirukiye said he expected an escalation of the war situation in the country. He told Gabonese radio on Wednesday that with developments in neighbouring Congo “things cannot be otherwise”, saying the government was aware of the return of thousands of rebels to Burundi and was prepared.