Fighting spreads countrywide

Fighting between the Burundian army and rebel forces has spread to all regions of the country, according to a roundup by the private news agency Azania on Tuesday. In the central Burundi, government forces are continuing their offensive in Gitega province aimed at assuming effective control of the province where the rebels are said to enjoy support of the local population. According to Azania, fighting has been reported by locals in the Butezi zone of Itaba commune where the rebels are trying to regain the Imoso region.

Fighting has also spread to Makamba province where the rebels are trying to establish a base behind their frontline, Azania said. “For a few weeks now the paramilitary militia group, Mwana-Mugamba, made up of ex-rebels, has intensified training at its Tanzanian bases, not far from Giteranyi sector,” it said. Around the capital Bujumbura, rebel activity is limited to the road network where they have been carrying out ambushes. Azania reported that the rebels have bases in the Gihanga and Bugendana communes near the capital where they enjoy the support of the local population.

Military commanders in the area have reportedly confirmed surprise attacks on their positions by rebels in these areas. Government forces are said to have deployed heavily in rural areas near the capital to prevent rebels from attacking the city.