Four men dressed in civilian clothes, two of whom were armed with assault rifles, entered the ICRC compound between 2.30 and 3 a.m. and fired at least two shots. One guard died and another suffered head wounds. The intruders fled the scene before help could arrive.

ICRC staff led by the head of the delegation in Bujumbura travelled to the scene on 4October to assess the situation. The wounded guard had been treated in the Gitega hospital and released that very morning. The authorities were contacted and an inquiry was opened.

The ICRC is concerned about the deterioration in security conditions resulting from criminal activities, for which the uncontrolled availability of light weapons is partly responsible. These weapons represent an additional threat for the Burundian people, who have already suffered enormously from nearly 10 years of conflict.