Burundi’s President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, has called for national calm and divine protection following a major fire that broke out at a military weapons depot in the capital, Bujumbura.
The incident occurred on the night of March 31, targeting an arms storage facility located within a military base in the Musaga zone. According to the Burundian military and the Ministry of Public Security, the fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.
In a message shared on social media, President Ndayishimiye expressed sympathy to those affected and reassured citizens that authorities were taking all necessary measures to manage the situation.
“I extend my condolences to those affected by the fire that broke out in a military facility in Musaga. We reassure all Burundians that national institutions are doing everything possible to respond and maintain security. May God protect Burundi,” he said.
The fire triggered a series of loud explosions as stored weapons detonated, with blasts reportedly heard across several parts of Bujumbura. Witnesses described scenes of panic as residents fled their homes in fear.
Reports indicate that the explosions continued for several hours into the night, with some still being heard as late as 10:30 p.m.
Residents living near the military base said their homes were damaged by debris from the explosions, forcing many to seek shelter in safer areas. Fragments from the blasts were reported to have landed in neighborhoods such as Kinanira 3 and 4, as well as Ngagara, located more than five kilometers from the site.
Authorities have not yet released official figures regarding the extent of the damage or whether there were any casualties.
The incident has raised concerns about safety measures around military storage facilities, as investigations continue into the exact cause and impact of the fire.
