Gunmen kill 20 in Burundi

Gunmen have killed at least 20 people and wounded nine others near Burundi’s western border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Those killed in the Friday evening raid on the town of Vugizo included 12 children, two pregnant women and a police officer, a Burundian government spokesman said on Saturday.

According to him, the injured were rushed to health facilities in the area, adding that their health condition was not in danger.

“The Burundian government extends its condolences to the families of the innocent victims and agrees that it will take charge of hospital fees for the injured victims,” he said.

The government reiterated its commitment to preserving peace and security of the population and called on joint security committees to be watchful during this end-of-year festive season.