Ammunition Depot Explosion at Burundi Military Base Kills 13

The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at a base located in the Musaga district on the outskirts of the capital, Bujumbura. According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the blasts triggered widespread panic as residents fled their homes to escape the trajectory of flying shrapnel and unexploded ordnance.

Burundi military spokesperson Gaspard Barutozia confirmed that the fire began late Tuesday night due to a short circuit within a warehouse stored with explosives and ammunition. The flames rapidly spread to the munitions, resulting in a series of massive secondary explosions that illuminated the night sky and caused significant structural damage to the facility and surrounding areas. Senior military official Aloys Ndayikengurukiye urged local residents to remain vigilant and warned them not to touch any suspicious objects or unexploded shells found in their neighborhoods, advising immediate notification of the authorities instead.

The government has officially ruled out terrorism, clarifying that the explosion was a tragic industrial accident and that the situation is now under full military control. Emergency services and technical teams are currently working to sweep the area for hazardous debris to ensure the safety of returning civilians. In the aftermath of the chaos, several children who became separated from their families during the evacuation have been sheltered at the Buhonga Catholic Parish, where parents have been requested to come and collect their wards.