Burundi experiences uptick in violence as presidential elections approach

As the Presidential elections draw near, the act of violence in Burundi has increased significantly.

On Monday 11th of May in a grenade attack in a bar in Bujumbura, Burundi, at least two people were killed. The attack has increased the fear of violence of the residents of the country.

So far no one has been identified as the attacker but according to witnesses the bar was a hotspot for members of the Imbonerakure – the youth wing for the Burundi’s ruling party.

Since 2015, when Pierre Nkurunziza the president of Burundi ran for a third term in office, the country has been knee deep in violence.

As the election for next week looms, violence in the country is rising, although Nkurunziza is not running for a fourth term in office.

There have been reports of violence and clashes between the Imbonerakure and the opposing party, CNL party.