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 reveal 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 individuals perceived as critical of those in power.
Assault in Ruyigi
On 29 June 2025, Venerand Mvuyekure (67), a supporter of Agathon Rwasa, was violently beaten in Muyebe (Ruyigi) by members of the Imbonerakure 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 violence. After the alert, around twenty perpetrators were prosecuted: some were sentenced to life imprisonment, others to 20 years. King Umurundi Freedom welcomes this judicial action and reminds that mob justice results from poor governance.
Kabezi: A woman illegally detained
Gloriose NTAHIRAJA, a mother of six, was arrested on 20 June 2025 in Mboza following a family misunderstanding. She was released on 7 July 2025. King Umurundi Freedom welcomes her release and denounces arbitrary detentions.
Mpanda: A body discovered
On 6 July 2025, an unidentified man aged 35–40 was found dead near the Musenyi River, between Mpanda and Rugazi (West Bujumbura). King Umurundi Freedom demands an independent investigation to identify the victim and prosecute those responsible.
Butanyerera: Merchant assaulted
Donatien NDUWIMANA, a merchant, was assaulted by Jean Pierre BUTOYI, president of the Tangara court, assisted by two police officers, following a dispute. He was transferred to the provincial hospital of Ngozi, where he died on 18 July 2025. The suspects were arrested but have not yet been tried. King Umurundi Freedom has written to the President of the Republic urging justice.
Butanyerera: Merchant killed
Adronis UWIMANA, a young merchant, was found dead inside a sack near a river. King Umurundi Freedom demands truth and justice.
Gitega: Disappearance of an active-duty officer
Claver BAKUNDUKIZE, a 42-year-old police officer assigned to the Inspectorate General, went missing on 9 July 2025. King Umurundi Freedom calls for an urgent investigation.
Butanyerera: Controversial release of a teacher accused of rape
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
Citizens lost their savings in the RCF Nyunganira microfinance institution, led by Zabulon Kuzoryimana, who has disappeared. King Umurundi Freedom calls on the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) to take action and break its silence.
Bujumbura: Harassment of a citizen
Jean Pierre NDAYIKEZA has suffered harassment and threats since 2017, following a domestic conflict that later turned political. King Umurundi Freedom calls for justice and an end to these persecutions.
Butanyerera: Disappearance of a retired soldier
Désiré NDAYISENGA, a 48-year-old retired soldier, disappeared on 27 July 2025 after leaving Kirema by motorcycle. King Umurundi Freedom calls for an investigation.
Mabanda–Burunga: Two women raped and murdered
Georgette NISHIMWE and Jeanine NYABENDA were raped and killed on 28 July 2025 in the Nyamugari forest, Gitara zone, Nyanza commune. The suspected perpetrators, members of the Imbonerakure, are on the run. King Umurundi Freedom demands an independent investigation and sanctions.
Bwambarangwe: 300 people arrested
Since 26 July 2025, around 300 brokers and commission agents have been arrested, accused of illegal price inflation. King Umurundi Freedom denounces this arbitrary repression and demands the release of all detainees.
Conclusion
October 2025 has been marked by a wave of serious human rights violations: arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence. King Umurundi Freedom reiterates its call for an independent justice system, protection of victims, and structural reforms to ensure the security and dignity of every Burundian citizen.