A series of powerful explosions, followed by sustained secondary detonations, struck the “Base” camp munitions depot in Musaga, south of the capital Bujumbura, on Tuesday evening.
According to Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza, spokesperson for the Force de Défense Nationale du Burundi, the incident was caused by an electrical fault within the facility.
The initial explosion occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m., with intermittent detonations continuing for more than an hour. By 7:39 p.m., further blasts were still being reported, suggesting ongoing explosions of stored munitions.
Preliminary accounts indicate that several nearby homes were destroyed and at least one fatality has been confirmed. No comprehensive official toll of casualties or material damage has yet been released.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who was in the country at the time, expressed appreciation for the messages of support received:
“On behalf of the Burundian people, I wish to express my gratitude to all those who, near or far, have shown us their solidarity following the fire that occurred at one of the logistical warehouses of the Musaga military base. I also wish to reassure you that the situation is under control.”