Burundi close to anarchy

2003-07-13 20:08

Erika Gibson

Johannesburg - There were renewed fears for the safety of the South African soldiers in Burundi on Sunday after the United Nations (UN) increased the security rating for this country from three to four.

A further increase in this barometer would mean that conditions are equivalent to total anarchy, Jan van Eck, conflict analysis, said from Bujumbura. The UN does not easily increase security rating.

He said foreign embassies are already evacuating non-essential personnel. Non-governmental organisations will also evacuate their staff after the latest security rating.

The situation deteriorated after renewed fighting between government forces and the Forces of National Liberation (FNL) in Bujumbura on Sunday morning.

This places South African soldiers, protecting political leaders, in the firing line during attacks on what the rebels see as "legitimate enemy targets".

Recently, mortar fire from rebels damaged the homes of two of the leaders. Nobody was injured in the attacks.

Bases of the 1 200 South African soldiers have not come under attack yet, but some of them have had to return fire after half-way camps for the disarmament of other revel groups elsewhere in Burundi came under attack.

Van Eck said several soldiers on both sides of the conflict were killed on Sunday morning. Reports put the death toll of the latest conflict at more than 200.

After mainly attacking the city's southern suburbs over the past few days, the rebels attacked from the north on Sunday. Van Eck said this could mean that they plan to lay siege to the city.

Tanks and helicopters patrolled the outskirts of the city over the weekend, while the Burundi defence force brought in reinforcements from its outlying bases.

"The majority of residents feel that the situation cannot continue. Anyone who though that there was still hope for the peace process should come and have a look."

Emotions are running high because the country's Hutu president, Domitien Ndayizeye, is in Europe while the city is under attack.

Van Eck said people felt that Burundi was burning while the president showed no signs of rushing home. "Intervention is urgently needed."

- Beeld