Burundi to set up massacres inquiry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BUJUMBURA (Reuter) - Burundi yesterday reported fresh ethnic killings and fighting and the government launched an inquiry into reports of a massacre of hundreds of Hutu civilians last week.
State-run Burundi radio said 20 Hutu villagers were killed at Muhanga in the northern province of Kayanza on Tuesday in reprisal for the killing of six members of a Tutsi family.
The government said it was setting up a commission of inquiry to establish whether Burundi troops killed more than 450 Hutus at sites in north-east Muyinga province last week. The US Ambassador to Burundi, Robert Krueger, as well as an aid worker and villagers, have said troops of the Tutsi- dominated army and Tutsi gunmen were responsible for the slaughter. The army has said only some 20 Hutu gunmen and civilian hostages held by the gunmen were killed in clashes with troops.
Residents of Kizi village said on Tuesday they had buried 201 bodies and said many more were still lying in the bush. Foreign journalists have seen several graves at one site.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments