Hundreds of Burundian refugees in Rwanda yesterday gathered for a Mass at Regina Pacis Catholic Parish in Remera, Kigali, to pray for peace in their country.

The Burundians also used the opportunity to pay tribute to about 400 Burundians who have been killed so far since turmoil started in their country in April.

"We are here to pray to our Lord to pacify our country but we also want to pray for souls of our compatriots who have been killed. They were killed by those who do not wish peace for Burundians. As Christians we seek the Lord’s intervention to save us from horrible things happening in our country,” said Juvenal Nizeyimana, a Burundian refugee.

Benigne Mpeshimana, another refugee, said the occasion was also meant to call on Burundian government to think about how Burundians are suffering so that they can take measures to save lives.

"We want to remember our compatriots who have been killed. As refugees, we have nothing to do to stop the killings but I hope that as Burundians we have to work together and speak with one voice to call on the government to seek measures to pacify the country to avoid the recurring killings that are claiming our relatives,” Mpeshimana said.

Fr Jean Pierre Rushigajiki of Regina Pacis, who led the prayers, urged Burundians to stay faithful in Jesus "who also became a refugee at an early age.”

"Your compatriot have been killed due to lack of love for each other, because of greed for power. Even children of Bethlehem were killed because King Herod thought that Jesus would replace him. This led Jesus and His family to flee to Egypt before they later repatriated. I hope Jesus will save you as He knows well what to be a refugee means,” Fr Rushigajiki said in his sermon.

Currently, Rwanda hosts more than 75,000 Burundian refugees residing mainly in Mahama refugee camp in Kirehe District.