Hundreds of students seeking refuge break into U.S. Embassy in Burundi

refugees
(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Around 200 Burundian students have broken into the U.S. Embassy's compound in the East African nation's capitol, Bujumbura, seeking refuge from police. U.S. Marines were stationed as guards, but the students remained calm once inside, sitting on the ground with their hands raised.

Earlier in the week, close to 600 students set up camp outside the American Embassy, believing that the U.S. would protect them after their university was closed amid anti-government protests. The State Department and officials at the Embassy are still assessing the situation.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.