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