The militants group RED-Tabara took ownership of the incident. The South Kivu province in the neighboring eastern Congo is home to the group’s fighters. Six Burundian soldiers, according to the group, were also killed in the attack
Nine people have died in a militant attack in Burundi, according to a Burundian official, who also accused neighboring Rwanda of harboring arms group to oppose his government.
Jérôme Niyonzima, a spokesman for the government, described a “cowardly attack” in western Bubanza province on Sunday night by armed attackers.
He reported that five more people were hurt in the attack in Gihanga, along with six women and a soldier.
The militants group RED-Tabara took ownership of the incident. The South Kivu province in the neighboring eastern Congo is home to the group’s fighters. Six Burundian soldiers, according to the group, were among the dead.
One resident of the area told The Associated Press that government troops fled the scene as heavily armed attackers pursued them and opened fire on civilians.
“We live in fear of being attacked at any time,” another witness said.
Both witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern for their safety.
RED-Tabara also claimed responsibility for a Dec. 22 attack that it said killed 10 security officials. Burundi’s government said 20 people were killed, the majority civilians.
Burundian authorities assert that RED-Tabara operates with the support of Rwanda’s government.
“The government of Burundi once again deplores the behaviour of Rwanda which maintains, trains and arms the terrorist group RED-Tabara,” said Niyonzima, the government spokesman.
Burundi last month suspended diplomatic relations with Rwanda and closed their border, calling it a response to Rwanda’s alleged backing of RED-Tabara. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has accused Rwandan authorities of supporting RED-Tabara.
Rwandan officials deny the allegations.