An explosion at a military weapons depot in Musaga has left 13 people dead and 57 others injured, according to Gaspard Baratuza.
The spokesperson for the Burundi National Defence Force said the incident occurred on March 31, 2026, after a fire broke out at an arms storage facility located at a military base commonly known as “Base” in Musaga, a neighborhood of Bujumbura.
Baratuza stated that among the injured were 54 civilians and three soldiers. The explosion also caused significant damage to military infrastructure, vehicles and nearby buildings.
The incident created panic across Bujumbura as residents reported hearing multiple explosions coming from the military base.
Authorities from the Government of Burundi and the Ministry of Public Security said the fire was likely caused by an electrical fault.
In a message posted on X, Évariste Ndayishimiye expressed condolences to the victims and their families, urging citizens to remain calm while emergency services worked to contain the situation.
“I extend my condolences to those affected by the fire that broke out in a military storage facility in Musaga Zone. State institutions are doing everything possible to respond and protect the country. May God protect Burundi,” he wrote.
Reports from BBC indicated that as of around 10:30 p.m., loud explosions could still be heard from the affected area.
