By Pie Ntumakazina

July 8, 2003

"FNL Rwasa" — one of the two rebel groups that did not sign a peace accord in Arusha, Tanzania in October 2002 — has recently decided to launch an attack south of the Burundi capital city of Bujumbura. This has led to two days of fighting between the regular army and these rebels. Around 5,000 to 8,000 people are fleeing empty-handed from the neighborhoods of Musaga, Kibenga, Kinindo, Kanyosha towards the center of the city and have no assistance.

Up to 20 civilians and 7 rebel fighters were killed in an attack early Monday by the Forces nationales de liberation (FNL) in the southern suburbs of the capital, Bujumbura, army spokesman Col. Augustin Nzabampema said.

"The attack this Monday morning is a warning to President [Domitien] Ndayizeye who has threatened to intensify attacks against our movement," FNL spokesman Pasteur Habimana said on Tuesday, July 8, 2003.

"FNL rebels led by Agathon Rwasa infiltrated Kanyosha, Musaga and Kibenga suburbs in the southern part of Bujumbura yesterday, Monday, the whole day, and today the whole morning. Col. Nzabapmema added that the fighting was continuing outside the capital, at Kabezi and Buhonga communes in Bujumbura Rural Province. "We already counted seven rebels killed," he said yesterday.

"The rebels had also blocked all principal roads leading to Bujumbura, but the army has succeeded in removing the obstacles at Highway 1 towards the city centre," the army spokesman said. Roadblocks on roads to the north of Burundi, Highway 3 towards the south and the highway heading to northwest had also been cleared, he said.

We as the Church functioning in and around Bujumbura capital city are in great difficulty of knowing what to do for those who are displaced without any assistance. Some of our diocesan staff have fled and have appeared at the office in their sleeping clothes, without shoes.

We as the Church functioning in and around Bujumbura capital city are in great difficulty of knowing what to do for those who are displaced without any assistance. Some of our diocesan staff have fled and have appeared at the office in their sleeping clothes, without shoes.

Rwasa's FNL faction remains the only group that has not signed a cease-fire agreement with the government. Three other rebel groups signed agreements with the government in 2002 but accusations of cease-fire violations have been made by all sides.

Please remember us in your prayers, and pray that those who are involved in fighting come to peaceful agreement for the safety of our people. We request your support in contributing for those displaced peoples who have no assistance. Even at this particular [late] hour that I am writing this note, heavy shooting and bombs are still falling.

The Right Rev. Pie Ntukamazina is bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Bujumbura. He is the representative from the Anglican Province of Burundi to the international Anglican Peace & Justice Network. Bishop Pie may be reached by email at mgrpie@eebbuja.org

For historical background about the witness of the church in Burundi:

Read the November 1999 Report of the Anglican Peace & Justice Network Delegation to Burundi.