Photo : Xinhua/DW
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Xinhua/DW
BURUNDI
Deadly explosions at military depot rock Burundi’s capital
On 02 April, BBC reported that at least 13 people were killed and 57 others wounded after a series of powerful explosions struck an ammunition depot in Bujumbura, the largest city in Burundi. The blasts, which occurred late on Tuesday in the densely populated Musaga suburb, were attributed by the army to an electrical fault. Shrapnel and debris were hurled over a 5km radius, damaging homes, vehicles, and nearby infrastructure, including Mpimba Central Prison, where inmates were reportedly injured. Witnesses described prolonged explosions lasting several hours, triggering widespread panic and displacement. While official figures confirmed 13 deaths, earlier reports suggested higher casualties. President Évariste Ndayishimiye expressed condolences and urged calm, as authorities called on residents to report unexploded ordnance and began assessing the scale of destruction. (“Explosions at Burundi ammunition depot kill 13 civilians - army,” BBC, 02 April 2026)
DRC
ADF attack kills dozens in Eastern DR Congo
On 02 April, Al Jazeera reported that at least 43 people were killed in an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Ituri province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The assault, which took place in the village of Bafwakoa in Mambasa territory, also left homes burned and at least two people abducted, with local officials warning the death toll could rise. Authorities said the ADF - an armed group originally from Uganda that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State - was responsible. Civilians were reportedly killed with machetes or burned inside their homes. The attack highlights persistent insecurity in eastern DRC, where the army is also battling other rebel groups, including the March 23 Movement. Despite ongoing joint military operations with Uganda, ADF violence against civilians has intensified, undermining fragile peace efforts in the region. (“At least 43 people killed in ADF attack in northeast DR Congo, army says,” Al Jazeera, 02 April 2026)