10 January 2008
Bujumbura — The spokesman for the army says that five FNL combatants were killed in fighting that broke out today in Musigati between the national defence force and PALIPEHUTU-FNL combatants. The spokesperson also says that three FDN soldiers were wounded during these clashes.
The fighting started as early as 4:00 a.m. and lasted about 6 hours. These clashes have caused the displacement of the civilians. Around 1000 families have left their homes.
Musigati commune is now prone to an escalating trend of violence involving skirmishes between the regular army and combatants of PALIPEHUTU-FNL hiding in the Kibira forest. The local population has been living in constant unrest since the Christmas ever since PALIPEHTU-FNL combatants continue to collect contributions by force. FNL combatants also ambushed a minibus from Musigati yesterday and stole the belongings of its passengers. In the meantime, the stalemate in the talks between FNL and the government of Burundi persists.
The regional initiative for peace in Burundi has kept its silence after the ultimatum given to PALIPEHUTU-FNL leaders expired. The national parliament showed that it was not satisfied with the way the facilitator has conducted his work.
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