Burundi presidential aide killed in auto attack

A presidential spokesman says a former Burundi intelligence chief has been killed in a drive-by shooting in the capital, Bujumbura.

Witnesses said men in military uniform had ambushed the general’s auto early in the morning and sprayed it with bullets.

In a Twitter message Mr Nyamitwe said (in French): “I have lost a brother, a companion in the struggle”.

The attackers also lobbed a grenade into Nshimirimana’s vehicle, and the general was evacuated before he later died from his wounds, he said.

Incumbent President Nkurunziza won the election for a third term, despite a two-term constitutional limit.

Nkurunziza’s candidacy was condemned as unconstitutional by the opposition and provoked months of protests that left at least 100 dead in a fierce government crackdown, as well as an attempted coup in mid-May.

Opponents argued this contravened the constitution and there was a failed coup attempt in May.

“We are trying to manage the situation but it is not easy”.

“They have declared war and they will see what they get”, said another top pro-Nkurunziza general, who asked not to be named.

Sources told the Reuters news agency that the general was killed in the Kamenge district of Bujumbura along with three of his bodyguards.

Many fear that Nkurunziza’s determination to stay in power can trigger widespread violence in the poor central African country of 10 million that has a history of civil strife. Dozens were killed and about 175,000 people escaped to neighboring countries.