Gunmen yesterday morning shot dead Burundi’s former army Chief of Staff, retired Col. Jean Bikomagu.

He was returning home from church when the gunmen allegedly on a motorbike waylaid him and his daughter at his home. Bikomagu died on the spot and his daughter was seriously injured. She was admitted to hospital in critical condition.

He is the second high profile military officer to be killed following the ambush two weeks ago on Lt. Gen. Adolphe Nshimirimana, a close ally and head of Nkurunziza’s security detail.

The country has been rocked in political turmoil ever since President Nkurunziza announced his intention to vie for a controversial third term.

Violent protests broke out all over the country and there have been reports of security forces, aided by Imbonerakure militia, the youth wing of President Nkurunziza’s political party, CNDD-FDD.

Over 100 people have so far been reported killed and hundreds detained in what analysts fear could lead the country back into dangerous political uncertainty.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw