Tanzania – Nduta camp : a Burundian trader victim of armed robbery

An armed attack rocked the Burundian refugee camp of Nduta on Wednesday night, plunging residents into growing concern over the rising insecurity. A Burundian trader, who was also a money transfer agent, was violently attacked by unidentified criminals.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to several witnesses, the crackling of gunfire was heard in Village 19 of Zone 8, where the attack took place. The assailants targeted the home of Aboubacar, a well-known wholesaler in the camp. They stole cash estimated at over 20 million Tanzania shillings as well as various shop items.

The victim was seriously injured in the head by these masked bandits. Alerted by the neighbors’ screams, law enforcement quickly intervened, but the attackers had already fled towards zones 10 and 18.

Arrests and suspicions of complicity

The police have made several arrests in these areas as part of ongoing investigations. However, refugees in the camp express skepticism and suspect the complicity of certain local leaders, who may have facilitated the perpetrators’ escape.

“We have the impression that certain well-placed individuals helped these criminals. This is an unacceptable situation,” said a camp resident who requested anonymity.

A worrying security climate

This incident rekindles concerns about the rise in crime in the Nduta camp, which hosts more than 58,000 Burundian refugees. Several residents are calling on law enforcement to strengthen security and demanding independent investigations to identify the perpetrators and put an end to any possible complicity.

In the meantime, the shockwaves caused by this attack continue to haunt residents, who hope to see concrete measures taken to prevent further acts of violence.

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Burundian refugees outside the Nduta camp in Tanzania (SOS Médias Burundi)