Burundi rebel factions clash, 6 fighters dead

BUJUMBURA, Sep 4 (Reuters) At least six Burundi fighters were killed today in heavy clashes between two rival rebel factions that prompted scores of residents to flee the capital's northern suburbs, witnesses said.

''I have already seen six bodies on the ground, but there could be more than that,'' said a Reuters reporter in Buterere suburb where the early morning fighting erupted.

Residents said the dead were insurgents opposed to Agathon Rwasa, leader of Burundi's last remaining rebel group, the Forces for National Liberation (FNL).

It was the first outbreak of violence since the FNL walked out of a truce monitoring team for the second time in July, sparking fears of renewed ethnic bloodshed in the tiny coffee-growing nation of 8 million.

Burundi's army spokesman, Adolphe Manirakiza, confirmed the fighting was over Rwasa's leadership.

''The clashes are between dissidents opposed to Agathon Rwasa as chairman of the FNL and combatants loyal to him,'' he said.

Witnesses said seven fighters opposed to Rwasa surrendered to the Burundi army and were disarmed. Some told Reuters they they were tired of war and wanted to leave the bush.

Ethnic conflict has killed an estimated 300,000 people since 1993, and the FNL insurgency is widely seen as the final barrier to lasting peace.

REUTERS PD HT1525