Nairobi — A top adviser to Burundi’s president and the most public face of the government has escaped an assassination attempt in the capital Bujumbura, officials said Tuesday. Willy Nyamitwe was returning home on Monday night when "he was met with sustained gunfire and grenade explosions", a high-ranking presidential official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity, One of his bodyguards was killed and another injured while Nyamitwe suffered slight wounds to his arm. Police said the attackers were waiting in a nearby house under construction before launching the ambush. "Thank God, Willy Nyamitwe narrowly escaped an attack...," tweeted Burundi’s UN ambassador Albert Shingiro. Nyamitwe is one of the most public voices emerging from Burundi, an active tweeter who frequently criticises the West for interfering in the central African nation. "I thank those who wish me a speedy recovery. I am doing well but saddened by the death of a best friend, the policeman Gasongo," Nyamitwe tw...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.