Willy Nyamitwe was returning home on Monday night when he was met with sustained gunfire and grenade explosions.

One of his bodyguards was killed and another injured while Nyamitwe suffered slight wounds to his arm.

Police say the attackers were waiting in a nearby house under construction before launching the ambush.

Burundi’s ambassador to the United Nations Albert Shingoro tweeted: Thank God, Willy Nyamitwe narrowly escaped an attack…,

Nyamitwe is one of the most public voices emerging from Burundi, an active tweeter who frequently criticises the West for interfering in the central African nation.

He tweeted: I thank those who wish me a speedy recovery. I am doing well but saddened by the death of a best friend, the policeman Gasongo.

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