Burundi clashes kill 15

BUJUMBURA (Reuter) - At least 15 people have been killed in two days of clashes in Bujumbura, capital of Burundi, the country neighbouring Rwanda. The clashes, involving angry Tutsi youths, were sparked by the arrest of Mathias Hitimana, the leader of the Tutsi-led opposition Party for the Reconciliation of the People (PRP).

Witnesses said scores were injured in the clashes that began on Sunday and continued on Monday. A Burundian journalist, Deogratias Muvira, said: 'I counted 15 people killed from Sunday to yesterday (Monday).'

Bujumbura was calm yesterday but witnesses said the atmosphere remained tense. Commerce in the capital has been brought to a standstill. Markets, banks and shops remained closed for the second day as residents stayed indoors.

Government officials said Mr Hitimana was arrested by a special security unit, apparently to limit the spread of insecurity.