Foreigners in Burundi worry about security

After news of violent attacks in the city, foreigners in Burundi are increasingly worried. Some choose to not go out at night or walk on the streets.-By J.Berchmans Siboniyo

Victims of violence in the city

Recent scares involve a group of men wearing long black coats, armed with guns, swords, knives, clubs and machetes. They behave like gangsters in the city and like rebels in the countryside. Sources heard some of them say: “We have returned and we will not depart again.”

“I listen to the local radio stations and read the newspapers. Based on the informationI receive, I feel like there is not enough security in the city”, says a foreigner who wants to remain anonymous. “That is why I don’t use my bicycle any more. I also set myself a curfew, because most of the attacks were carried outat night.”
Florian Sig, a German living in Kibenga quarter, Kinindo commune indicates that hebehaves differently now than he used to in previous months. “When I heard about a Belgian who had his ear slashed with a machete, I decided never to walk on the streets after dark.”

“I wonder who these security disturbers are”, says another white man in Café Gourmand.“Is the government not able to settle the situation? Is it really the youth of the political party in powerwho are disturbing security? Don’t leaders fear the ICC? Do they think that the international community doesn’t know what is happening in Burundi?”
Miao, a Chinese tradesman in the City Center, says he knows of the situation but still has confidence in the government and the police. Other businessmen share his view. “I hear about what is happening but I am not going to close. I still hope that the government will settle the matter”, says the boss of the Café Gourmand.
Despite concerns, the Minister of Home Affairs says there is no insecurity in the country. “The only crimes we hear of concern conflicts relating to land and witchcraft.”

However, a few weeks ago the Minister of Public Security acknowledged the existence of armed groups who disrupt security in Bujumbura. He promised to dismantle them in a timely manner.

CORRECTION: The quote from the ‘boss’ of Gourmand was not verified. We apologize for the misrepresentation.