ATTACK ON NGO VEHICLE IN BURUNDI; NO AMCITS

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000324 DEPT FOR AF/EX, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA; LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV PHUM PREL SUBJECT: ATTACK ON NGO VEHICLE IN BURUNDI; NO AMCITS INVOLVED ¶1. Post has learned of an attack in Burundi on the morning of 13 July 2009 which did not directly involve American citizens, but did involve employees of an American NGO operating in Burundi, Village Health Works (VHW). One employee was killed, presumably by gunfire, while three others sustained minor injuries from broken glass. ¶2. The attack occurred approximately four kilometers from the VHW facility in Kigutu, about two hours, drive from Bujumbura. At 0930, six employees were traveling from Bujumbura to Kigutu in a pickup truck when an armed man entered the road, stopped the truck, and demanded money and valuables. The employees began turning over money and cell phones, but the man shot the vehicle,s driver. More armed men came from the side of the road, and more gunfire ensued. The armed men then departed; the surviving employees hid near the side of the road until police arrived approximately 20 minutes later. The injured employees were treated locally and then transferred to Bujumbura for further evaluation. ¶3. It is unclear whether the vehicle was marked as an NGO vehicle or specifically targeted due to its affiliation with the NGO. The Charge, Consular Section, and RSO are coordinating with VHW Executive Director Sarah Broom in the United States and local representative Mr. Nestor. ¶4. Point of contact for this issue is Consular Officer Jaclyn Cole Adkins at coleadkinsj2@state.gov or IVG 472-7304; secondary point of contact is acting Regional Security Officer Michael Diamond, diamondms@state.gov or IVG 472-7305. Wagner