Woken Up By Sounds Of...
5:45 in the morning and I'm awake. It was probably the fault of the night guard who is somewhat noisily taking a shower in the building in the back yard. The birds have begun to wake up as well, and their exotic songs break the early morning silence. But there is another strange sound under the rest of the usual morning clamour, audible at first only during pauses in the chirping. Then, with the unmistakable sound of a distant explosion, followed by another, I realize that the other strange sound is machine gun fire. I take some consolation in the fact that it sounds to be coming from across the lake in East Congo...
...but later learn that it was in fact coming from Burundi, in one of Bujumbura's northern suburbs. From about 5:30 to 6:30, dissident parties within the last remaining militant rebel group were fighting because of dissatisfaction with the group's leader. Apparently at least six combatants were killed, but we'll wait for the news later in the day to learn more.
Again, I'm safe. I live in a safe neighbourhood far from where anything would happen, if anything were to happen. Although there are present tensions and disconcerting rumours, there is massive pressure from the international community for the government to resolve the peace talks, and it appears that they will soon come back to the table. And perhaps with the present instability within the rebel group, their leadership is showing signs of weakness, and their combatants signs of non-commitment.
I'll write more when more is known. Click the title for a link to the Reuters AlertNet news article.
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Afternoon radio news counts 19 dead soldiers plus 1 civilian, but is still unconfirmed because journalists aren't yet allowed on scene.
Apparently there are those among the rebels who want the peace talks to continue, while others don't, and are fighting over leadership in that regard.
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September 5th news sources now says at least 25 soldiers and 1 civilian; other sources say 21 soldiers plus 1 civilian.
3 comments:
I am praying for you a lot...pretty much all day. I am praying for Burundi and all those beautiful people too.
wow. can't believe you are in the midst of those times which seem only like stories to me over here. i think of you often and will continue to hope in your safety and for the safety of the surrounding communities.
much love.
Woah... Thanks for the update, buddy. I think I'll be praying for you anyway, no matter how safe you say your neighborhood is. I'll be praying for peace in Burundi too. Just one militant rebel group to go...
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