A wave of explosions shook Bujumbura late Tuesday after a fire broke out at a military ammunition depot in the city, according to an army spokesman. The blasts, which echoed across several neighborhoods, sent residents into panic as thick smoke and flames filled the night sky.
Authorities linked the incident to what was described as a serious electrical fault at an ammunition storage facility belonging to the Burundi National Defence Force in Musaga, a district in the southern part of the city. Officials urged residents to remain calm and stay away from the area while emergency teams worked to contain the situation.
The scale of the explosions left many residents fearing the worst. In parts of the city, including areas several kilometres away, people reported hearing continuous blasts and feeling the impact. Some said the force shattered windows in nearby homes, while others described seeing projectiles flying through the air.
Tension quickly spread as unconfirmed reports of gunfire added to the confusion. Footage circulating among residents showed large flames and a towering cloud of smoke rising over the affected area, intensifying fears about the city’s safety.
Concerns grew even more when an explosion was reported near the national radio station, raising suspicions among some residents about the possibility of wider instability. The uncertainty surrounding the situation has left many questioning what exactly triggered the incident.
Local observers say fear has driven several residents to leave their homes, with many seeking safer areas as the blasts continued. Reports from within the city suggest that anxiety remains high, as people struggle to make sense of the unfolding events.
The incident comes at a time when Burundi is already dealing with deep economic challenges and ongoing concerns about governance and human rights. The situation in Bujumbura has added another layer of uncertainty for citizens already facing difficult conditions.
Authorities have yet to provide further details, and the full extent of the damage or casualties, if any, remains unclear as investigations continue.
