Papal Envoy to Burundi Shot Dead, Rebels Blamed
The Vatican’s ambassador to Burundi was shot dead on Monday in an attack blamed by Burundi’s army on Hutu rebel fighters who have stubbornly refused to join a peace process. Army officials in the tiny African country said papal nuncio Michael Courtney was ambushed by National Liberation Forces (FNL) rebels and shot three times. The 58-year-old Irishman later died while undergoing surgery. “The nuncio was ambushed this afternoon by elements of the FNL near the Minago locality 40 km (25 miles) south of Bujumbura,” army spokesman Augustin Nzabampema said. The FNL condemned the shooting and denied any involvement. Full Story