A Dispute Turns Violent at Bar Natal
A serious incident occurred on the evening of January 2, 2026, around 8:00 p.m. at Bar Natal, near the Kamenge Military Hospital in the northern part of Bujumbura, the country’s commercial capital.
A police colonel, BIGIRIMANA Célestin, also known as NDARASA, shot army officer Emmanuel NIBIZI after a heated dispute.
The two officers were in the company of Colonel Innocent NDITONZE, head of the Judicial Police Officers (OPJ) at the National Intelligence Service headquarters.
A Sensitive Topic… and Rising Tensions
Over drinks, the three men discussed the case of a woman recently arrested and imprisoned.
According to multiple sources, she was detained under harsh conditions shortly after losing a child, while still caring for her two other sick children.
The conversation focused on how to help secure her release. The details of her case remain unclear and will require further investigation.
Tensions rose when Colonel NDARASA accused NIZIBIZI of bringing up the matter in front of Colonel NDITONZE, whom he considered “inexperienced” and unfit to act effectively, despite his key role overseeing Judicial Police Officers.
An Attempted Assault with a Kalashnikov… Then a Pistol
The argument escalated into a confrontation.
Witnesses say Colonel NDARASA attempted to grab a Kalashnikov from his escort with the intent to shoot Colonel NIBIZI.
NIZIBIZI reacted quickly, and a struggle broke out over the weapon.
NDARASA was restrained and gave up the rifle — but then pulled out his personal pistol.
He fired two shots, seriously wounding Colonel NIBIZI.
The injured officer was rushed to the military hospital and is currently receiving treatment.
A Case That Raises Questions on Discipline and Impunity
This incident reignites concerns about the use of firearms within security forces and the discipline of agents tasked with protecting citizens.
Legally, Colonel NDARASA should have been immediately arrested for attempted murder.
However, the persistent climate of impunity, which we continuously denounce, casts serious doubt on whether he will ever be held accountable.