…as Rwandan, Burundian nationals fight over control of Lusaka retail business gets fierce
By OLIVER SAMBOKO
RIVALRY over control of the retail business in Lusaka’s residential areas could be responsible for assassinations among Rwandan and Burundian business moguls, a member of the Rwandan community has said.
Mr Jean-Marie Nsengiyumva, said the fight for retail business among people from the two countries is getting ugly and if nothing is done by the host government, more lives will be lost.
Mr Nsengiyumva said the killings are not mere criminal acts by robbers but well planned assassination missions sponsored by rival groups within Rwandan and Burundian communities who are competing for control.
He explained that a few days ago, a businessman of Burundian origin, Robert Talisisi, was shot dead by unidentified people in his shop in Lusaka’s ChaindaTownship while his worker was left for dead and battling for his life at the University Teaching Hospital,
He said this was after another member of the Rwandan community, of Kabulonga, was shot 22 times and robbed of K50, 000 and US$300 by assailants armed with an AK 47 rifle and two pistols.
Mr Nsengiyumva said in October, last year another Burundian refugee was assassinated in unexplained circumstances in Kabangwe’s 10-Miles area, which they suspect is related to business interests.
Mr Nsengiyumva pleaded that as a host government, Zambia should act and identify the people behind the killings as these shootings have sent fear among Rwandan and Burundian communities.
“Our host government should come to our aid and flush out bad elements among us who want to control the retail business in Lusaka’s residential areas especially in compounds,” he pleaded.
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