2 killed in Burundi after vote

2010-06-29 14:46

Bujumbura - Two people were killed overnight in Burundi and two others wounded in violence that followed a controversial presidential election in which incumbent Pierre Nkurunziza was the only candidate.

"In Muramvya provice, men snuck into a home at 23:00 (21:00 GMT) and shot dead a former soldier and his wife at point blank," army spokesperson Gaspard Baratuza said.

He also said that four grenade attacks were reported in the capital Bujumbura and elsewhere in the country, injuring two people.

One of the grenade attacks targeted the home of General Evariste Ndayishimiye, a key Nkurunziza adviser, who escaped unhurt.

It was not immediately possible to ascertain whether all incidents were politically motivated but such violence has killed 10 and wounded more than 60 since an electoral dispute broke out more than a month ago.

The violence occurred moments after  polling stations closed following an election that turned into a de facto referendum over Nkurunziza's popularity.

All opposition parties had pulled out of the presidential race charging that the May 24 local council polls which saw Nkurunziza's ruling party win comfortably had been rigged.

Violence has surged since and Nkurunziza's erstwhile presidential rival and former rebel Agathon Rwasa has gone into hiding, raising fears that Burundi was on the brink of a civil war relapse.

The presidential poll in Burundi - which relies on aid for half of its budget - was the second phase of an electoral marathon seen as a key test of its democratic credentials and commitment to a fledgling peace deal.

Official results were due to be at least partially divulged on Wednesday.

- AFP