5 September 2007
Bujumbura — Twenty-one persons died in clashes between two FNL factions in the northern section of Bujumbura city.
The fighting began in the early Monday morning in Buterere and pitted the combatants of FNL that are loyal to Agathon Rwasa against dissidents of this movement who claim to be for peace. The 21 victims are all said to be dissidents. Most of the dissidents fled to the headquarters of Buterere commune where they are under the protection of the national police.
Clashes between these two factions began last Sunday morning in the Buhinyuza quarter of Kinama commune. The previous fighting claimed no victims but forced many people to flee their homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire. The dissidents of FNL who are stationed not far from where civilians live in Buterere were attacked by combatants of the faction loyal to Agathon Rwasa who are stationed in Rukoko forest of Mutimbuzi commune.
Some civilians began to return home Tuesday morning to see what it is left of their homes. Further violence is feared as the bulk of the dissidents remain in Buterere. The army indicates that it cannot intervene in this FNL internal affair because of the ceasefire agreement. It was clear, however, that the FNL dissidents were backed by the national security forces.
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