Throughout the week, the organization monitored, collected, and verified information on various cases of violence, arbitrary repression, enforced disappearances, murders, harassment, and abuses of authority committed by certain state representatives. This report aims to document these incidents and call for justice, transparency, and respect for citizens’ rights.
The incidents described below illustrate a worrying deterioration of security conditions and public freedoms in several regions of the country. They occur in a tense post-election context marked by the instrumentalization of security and judicial institutions against ordinary citizens, opposition members, journalists, and other individuals perceived as critical of the authorities.
Assault in Ruyigi
On 29 June 2025, Venerand Mvuyekure (67), a supporter of Agathon Rwasa, was violently beaten in Muyebe (Ruyigi) by Imbonerakure members over alleged remarks about the elections. Seriously injured, he was hospitalized. King Umurundi Freedom demands justice.
Gasarara: Six people brutally killed
On 30 June 2025, on Gasarara hill (Nyabiraba commune, Bujumbura Rural), six residents accused of witchcraft were killed by members of the community, some burned alive. A list of additional targets is circulating, raising fears of further murders. After alerts were issued, the Bujumbura High Court prosecuted around twenty perpetrators. Some were sentenced to life imprisonment, others to 20 years in prison. King Umurundi Freedom welcomes this judicial action and recalls that mob justice is a symptom of poor governance.
Kabezi: A woman illegally detained
Gloriose NTAHIRAJA, a mother of six living in Mboza, was arrested on 20 June 2025 after disciplining her daughter—an act wrongly interpreted as attempted murder. She was transferred to the Kabezi Prosecutor’s Office and falsely accused, reportedly due to a family conflict. Her husband, who had abandoned her, is believed to be behind the accusations to permanently remove her. Residents denounced the arbitrary detention and demanded her release. Gloriose Ntahiraja was freed on 7 July 2025. King Umurundi Freedom welcomes her release and urges the justice system to end illegal imprisonment.
Mpanda: A body discovered
On 6 July 2025, an unidentified man aged 35–40 was found dead with deep injuries near the Musenyi River, between Mpanda and Rugazi (West Bujumbura). King Umurundi Freedom demands a rigorous, independent investigation to identify the victim and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Butanyerera: Merchant fatally assaulted
On 14 July 2025, Donatien NDUWIMANA, a merchant from Musenyi, was violently assaulted by Jean Pierre BUTOYI, president of the Tangara court, assisted by two police officers, after he requested compensation for damages caused by the magistrate while intoxicated. Donatien was beaten unconscious, briefly imprisoned despite his critical condition, and later transferred to Ngozi Provincial Hospital, where he died on 18 July 2025. The magistrate and the two police officers were arrested on 19 July 2025. However, the Ngozi prosecutor has still not brought them to trial. King Umurundi Freedom has written to the President of the Republic demanding justice.
Butanyerera: Merchant killed
Adronis UWIMANA, a young merchant working between Bujumbura and his home commune of Gahombo, was murdered in unclear circumstances. His body was found inside a sack near a river, sparking outrage among residents, who demand truth and justice.
Gitega: Active-duty officer missing
Claver BAKUNDUKIZE, a 42-year-old police officer assigned to the National Police Inspectorate General, has been missing since 9 July 2025. While on leave in his home region, he was expected to return to Bujumbura but never arrived. His phone initially rang without answer before an unidentified individual briefly responded; afterward, the line was permanently switched off. His family fears a criminal act and denounces the police authorities’ inaction. King Umurundi Freedom calls for an urgent investigation into this troubling disappearance.
Butanyerera (Kirundo): Controversial release of a teacher
A teacher accused of raping a 16-year-old girl was released under questionable circumstances. King Umurundi Freedom demands his arrest and a fair judicial process.
RCF Nyunganira: Alleged financial fraud
Burundian citizens have lost access to their savings invested in the RCF Nyunganira microfinance institution, managed by Zabulon Kuzoryimana, who has since disappeared. After promising 6% monthly interest, the institution stopped payments in early 2025. Despite warnings, the Central Bank took no meaningful action. Agencies have closed, and depositors fear an organized fraud. King Umurundi Freedom calls on the Central Bank to break its silence.
Bujumbura: Citizen victim of harassment
Jean Pierre NDAYIKEZA has suffered harassment and threats since his 2017 separation from Odette HATANGIMANA, an employee of the National Assembly with close ties to political networks. In November 2024, he was expelled from his own home in Rubirizi, arbitrarily arrested, and falsely accused of collaborating with armed groups. These persecutions appear to be orchestrated by his ex-wife using her influence within security services. A domestic dispute has escalated into a political and security crisis. King Umurundi Freedom calls for justice and for an end to these abuses.
Butanyerera: Retired soldier missing
Désiré NDAYISENGA, a 48-year-old retired soldier from Kirema, has been missing since the evening of 27 July 2025. He left around 8 p.m. on a motorcycle (registration GA1259) to meet a friend after chatting via WhatsApp. Neither he, his motorcycle, nor his phone has been found. Sources suspect an abduction by intelligence agents from Bujumbura. No investigation has ever been opened. King Umurundi Freedom demands a formal inquiry to locate him.
Mabanda–Burunga: Two women raped and murdered
Georgette NISHIMWE and Jeanine NYABENDA were raped and murdered on 28 July 2025 in a forest on Nyamugari hill, Gitara zone, Nyanza commune. They were among four women collecting firewood when they were pursued by three suspected Imbonerakure members. Two women managed to escape, but Georgette and Jeanine were captured, raped, strangled, and their bodies thrown into a ravine. The local Imbonerakure leader, allegedly responsible for arresting the suspects, reportedly released them in exchange for bribes, and they remain at large. King Umurundi Freedom demands an independent investigation and sanctions against all responsible actors.
Burundi: Crackdown on brokers and commission agents — more than 300 detained
Since 26 July 2025, around 300 brokers and commission agents have been arrested across Burundi, accused of inflating transport prices and rental costs. They were transferred to Butanyerera and held in inhumane conditions. Two students from Bururi are among those detained. King Umurundi Freedom denounces this repression as a violation of human rights and an attempt to mask the ongoing economic crisis caused by poor governance. Although the detainees were later released, they were not returned to their places of origin.
Conclusion
October 2025 has been marked by a wave of serious human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence. These events, occurring in a fragile post-election climate, reflect escalating attacks on fundamental freedoms, fueled by impunity, abuse of power, and repressive governance. King Umurundi Freedom reiterates its call for an independent justice system, protection of victims, redress for abuses suffered, and structural reforms to ensure the security, dignity, and rights of all Burundian citizens.