Hundreds of people are feared dead following a massive explosion at a military depot in Bujumbura—Burundi’s economic capital—according to early reports.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, March 31, at the Musaga military camp, also known as ‘Camp Base,’ where a powerful blast erupted around 1 a.m., damaging nearby homes and leaving an unknown number of people dead and others injured.
The Bujumbura regime has not yet released an official toll of casualties or the full extent of the damage. However, President Évariste Ndayishimiye acknowledged the incident and thanked those who offered support.
“I assure you that things have been restored,” Ndayishimiye said in a message on X.
The president extended his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, praising the unity that has characterized the Burundian people.
“I also wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident that occurred at the military camp in the Musaga zone,” he added. “I assure them that no one will be spared and that the country still has the strength to defend itself.”
According to Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza, the explosion resulted from an “electrical failure” at the ammunition depot.
The local residents living near the military camp reported significant damage to their homes, with some fleeing to safer parts of the city. Among the victims were reportedly inmates from Mpimba Central Prison, located close to the military base.
Local reports indicate that at least a Burundian woman from one family died from injuries sustained in a shell that fell in this prison after being struck by debris while in detention for a month.
Radio Isanganiro reported that Adélaïde Hatangayo, mayor of Mugere commune, confirmed at least seven deaths in her area, including two at Mpimba Central Prison.
The explosion lasted for more than two hours, and no such incident has occurred in Burundi’s recent history
What is stored at the camp?
Camp Base is a major military facility used to store weapons and supplies, including ammunition such as bombs, mines, grenades, and small arms.
When such materials ignite, they can cause powerful secondary explosions, sending debris over wide areas. It also includes a fuel station used to service military vehicles, which may have contributed to the scale of the blast.
