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 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 take place in a tense post-election context marked by the instrumentalization of security and judicial institutions against ordinary citizens, opposition members, journalists, or any 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, allegedly over comments related to the elections. Seriously injured, he was hospitalized. King Umurundi Freedom demands justice.
Gasarara: Six people brutally killed
On 30 June 2025, in Gasarara hill (Nyabiraba commune, Bujumbura Rural), six residents accused of witchcraft were killed, some burned alive. A list of targeted individuals is circulating, raising fears of more killings. Local authorities remain passive, and the population calls for urgent intervention by security forces to stop the violence. After the alert, the Bujumbura High Court tried about twenty perpetrators: some were sentenced to life imprisonment, others to 20 years in prison. King Umurundi Freedom welcomes this legal action while reminding that mob justice always stems from 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. Her husband, Dieudonné NSHIMIRIMANA, is believed to have initiated the accusations for personal family reasons. Released on 7 July 2025, King Umurundi Freedom welcomes her release and denounces the arbitrary detention.
Mpanda: A body discovered
On 6 July 2025, the body of an unidentified man, aged around 35–40, was found near the Musenyi River between Mpanda and Rugazi (West Bujumbura). King Umurundi Freedom demands a rigorous and independent investigation to identify the victim and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Butanyerera: Merchant fatally assaulted
On 14 July 2025, Donatien NDUWIMANA, a merchant in Musenyi, was assaulted by Jean Pierre BUTOYI, president of the Tangara court, assisted by two police officers, following a dispute over material damages. Transferred to Ngozi Hospital, he died on 18 July 2025. The three suspects were arrested, but the prosecutor has not yet opened a trial. King Umurundi Freedom has written to the President of the Republic demanding justice.
Butanyerera: Another merchant killed
Adronis UWIMANA, a young merchant traveling between Bujumbura and Gahombo, was found dead inside a sack near a river. King Umurundi Freedom demands truth and justice.
Gitega: Military officer missing
Claver BAKUNDUKIZE, 42, a police officer at the National Police Inspectorate General, has been missing since 9 July 2025. King Umurundi Freedom calls for an urgent investigation to clarify this troubling disappearance.
Butanyerera: 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
Citizens lost their savings in the RCF Nyunganira microfinance institution, headed by Zabulon Kuzoryimana, who has been missing for months. King Umurundi Freedom calls on the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) to intervene and break its silence.
Bujumbura: Harassment of a citizen
Jean Pierre NDAYIKEZA has been subjected to harassment and threats since separating from Odette HATANGIMANA, an employee of the National Assembly. King Umurundi Freedom denounces these abuses and demands prosecution.
Butanyerera: Retired military officer missing
Désiré NDAYISENGA, 48, a former soldier, has been missing since 27 July 2025 after leaving Kirema on a motorcycle (registration GA1259). King Umurundi Freedom demands the opening of an investigation to locate him.
Mabanda–Burunga: Two women raped and murdered
Georgette NISHIMWE and Jeanine NYABENDA were raped and killed on 28 July 2025 in Nyamugari, Gitara zone, Nyanza commune. The suspected perpetrators, members of the Imbonerakure, are on the run. King Umurundi Freedom calls for an independent investigation and sanctions against those responsible.
Bwambarangwe: 300 people arrested
Since 26 July 2025, about 300 brokers and middlemen have been arrested, accused of manipulating market prices. King Umurundi Freedom denounces this arbitrary repression and demands the immediate release of the detainees.
Conclusion
October 2025 has been marked by a wave of grave 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 guarantee the security, dignity, and fundamental rights of all Burundian citizens.