The leader of Burundi’s main Hutu political party went on air on Saturday to dispel panic-triggering rumours that he had been assassinated.
”I am alive. Nothing has happened. This story of an assassination is a rumour put about by troublemakers,” Jean Minani, president of the Democratic Front (Frodebu) said on state radio.
On Friday afternoon, hundreds of residents in Hutu areas fled their homes after reports spread of the death of Minani and Burundian Vice President Domitien Ndayizeye.
In the disrict of Kamenge, for example, an AFP journalist saw residents taking off with as many of their possessions as they could carry, fearing an assault by the Tutsi-dominated army.
In Kinama, the market-place emptied in minutes as the ”news” spread.
Both areas suffered considerable damage in clashes between the army and Hutu rebels on two occasions since civil war broke out in Burundi in 1993.
In less than three weeks from now, Ndayizeye is due to assume the presidency of Burundi, replacing Pierre Buyoya, in line with accords signed in 2000 to end the war. – Sapa-AFP