Vehicles are seen parked at the Burundian border where the Burundian army is said to have blocked foreigners from entering the country
Burundian Army has blocked foreigners from entering the country through Bugarama border that connects to Rusizi district, western Rwanda.
Early Monday morning Burundian Army barricaded the road connecting to the border with Rwanda leaving hundreds stranded.Only Burundi nationals are allowed entry.
Rwanda Immigration authorities say that 3, 000 people cross to Burundi through Bugarama border every day.
“When passengers reached at the border this morning, foreigners had to be blocked on the Burundian side. But this did not stop us from clearing them on the Rwandan side,” a Rwandan Immigration official at the border said.
However, sources at the border said that the situation has worsened after a huge influx of Burundi nationals started crossing into Rwanda fleeing pre-election violence.
On Sunday alone 4, 000 Burundians crossed into Rwanda for safety. Protests have escalated in capital Bujumbura where five people including a teenager died as a result of direct shooting.
“It’s the biggest influx we have received on a single day so far,” said SelaphineMukantabana Rwanda’s Minister for Disaster Management and refugee affairs.
She said the number increased from 800 refugees received every day last week. 17704 Burundian refugees are sheltered at different designated camps across the country so far.
Burundi’s ruling party CNDD-FDD on Sunday, announced President Pierre Nkurunziza as its flag-bearer for June 26 Presidential elections.
Burundi Police and pro-government militia imbonerakure are struggling to suppress those opposed to Nkurunziza’s decision to seek re-election despite concluding a two term non-renewable constitutional mandate.
Meanwhile, Rwanda remains the main destination for refugees fleeing political violence in neighbouring Burundi.
Rwanda ready to help
President Paul Kagame earlier April said he believed Burundi has the capacity to resolve its own issues; “But we are here to assist.”
Days later, Kagame met with President Nkurunziza in Southern Province, where the two discussed political unrest and refugee issues.
Rwanda had arranged to receive up to 50,000 Burundian refugees. However, according to Minister Mukantabana, the number is expected to get beyond the estimated number.