BUJUMBURA, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Burundian defence forces are on alert to avoid incursions of criminals on the Burundian territory as fighting is taking place in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), the Burundian army said Thursday.
"Our defence and security forces are on high alert near the border between DR Congo and Burundi. They are making sure that no criminal can enter our territory from the eastern DR Congo where heavy fighting is taking place since Monday between Mai-Mai rebels supported by some opposition figures and the Congolese army," said Burundian Army Spokesman Colonel Gaspard Baratuza.
According to him, the situation on the common border is "still under control" and he called on residents at Gatumba border post and in the whole town of Gatumba to collaborate with security and defence forces to "block the way to criminals" who might attempt to enter the Burundian territory.
Residents at Gatumba town, 15km west of the Burundian capital Bujumbura, and even in the capital Bujumbura have been hearing explosions and gunshots from the eastern DR Congo, he said.
"Burundian citizens living near the border with the DR Congo are requested to warn security and defense forces in case of suspicious people or facts," said Baratuza.
