Burundian Army sees former senator's statements intending to trigger division

The Burundian army has condemned in a press conference statements made by Richard Nimbesha, a native of Burundi's Bubanza western Province and former Burundian senator of Bubanza constituency during the previous legislature from 2005 to 2010.

In a security meeting held on Monday at Bubanza chief town, some 40 km west of the Burundian capital Bujumbura, former Senator Richard Nimbesha accused former Burundian Armed Forces (FAB) of involvement of the creation of a rebel group of the Burundian opposition.

"We strongly condemn the statements made by a former senator who doesn't know what goes on at the army. Richard Nimbesha is a mere civilian who has never been in the army. He doesn't know how we work and how we are organised," Burundian Army Spokesman Col. Gaspard Baratuza told journalists in a press conference he held in the Burundian capital Bujumbura.

"He (Richard Nimbesha) is intending to divide us, and we will not give in to his wishes," Col. Gaspard Baratuza said.

The army spokesman said the Burundian constitution requests the army to ensure security for all Burundians and foreigners living on the Burundian territory.

"The army is not allowed to side with politicians," Baratuza said.

Asked whether the army has requested sanctions against Richard Nimbesha for his statements, the army spokesman said something is being done by the involved department.

"There are many departments in the army. Something is being done of course to sue Richard Nimbesha for the statements he made yesterday (Monday)," the spokesman said.

During the meeting held at Bubanza chief town on Monday and which gathered administration officials in Bubanza Province, former senator Richard Nimbesha, now jobless, said he has evidence that ex-Burundian Armed Forces (FAB) are backing the Burundian opposition in the creation of a rebel group.

Burundi's western region has been disturbed by armed people right after the attack on workers in a sugar cane plantation near Rukoko natural reserve on September 15, which killed six on spot and injuring dozens.

Since then, dead bodies were discovered floating on River Rusizi bordering with Rukoko natural forest.

Analysts talk about a rebel movement in creation, but the government says those attackers are armed bandits.