Burundi: Six Die in Burundian Sect Clashes with Police
By Staff Writer
Bujumbura--At least six people are reported to have died, while 35 others wounded in clashes in northern Burundi between police and followers of a Catholic sect.
Officials from Kayanza region say deadly violence broke out Tuesday when police tried to block a pilgrimage by followers of Zebiya Ngendakumana, a self-styled diviner, from holding prayers in the area.
Athanase Mbonabuca, Governor of Kayanza told AFP news agency that sect members in their hundreds, some armed with clubs and stones, defied police attempt to stop them from meeting on a hilltop on Tuesday, the day Zebiya Ngendakumana said would see her vision, sparking the violence.
There were violent clashes. At least six people are dead and 35 wounded," said Mbonabuca. All those dead are believed to be followers of the Marian sect, with four policemen seriously wounded.
Spokesman for the group deny attacking police with stones, saying that they were gathering for peaceful prayer. Scores of members were arrested.
Ms Ngendakumana, 30, says she sees vision of the Virgin Mary on the 12th day of each month. Her sect which was formed more than a year ago has developed massive following across the country, something which the authorities worry could threaten the public order.
Since its formation the sect has had strained relationship with the Burundi government that has seen the sect urge its followers to boycott government community service programme which sees residents of towns and cities across the country clean up streets and refurbish schools every Saturday.
Last year the police destroyed a sanctuary of the sect in Kayanza, prompting sect members to retaliate by breaking up church services at a local Catholic church.
The Catholic Church has distanced itself with the sect, whose members are predominantly Catholic. Burundi which has risen beyond ashes of a decade-long civil conflict is said to be the mostly Catholic African country.
The incident comes as the Church’s 115 cardinal-electors on Tuesday joined into a conclave, a secrecy-shrouded ritual of Papal selection, at the Vatican City to choose the 266th leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.