This crime represents an extreme act of violence and highlights, once again, the alarming failure of justice in Burundi.
NIBIZI Selapiyo was a civilian from Mihiza Hill, Kiramira Zone, Rugombo Commune, Cibitoke Province (under the former administrative structure), currently within Bujumbura Province. He was 47 years old, married, and leaves behind a wife and four children.
🔶Circumstances surrounding the death of NIBIZI Selapiyo.
The incident occurred on Saturday, 17 January 2026.
On that day, Selapiyo left his home to go to a local commercial and gathering area in Cibitoke, commonly known as “Ku rya mbere”. At around 6:00 p.m., he was intercepted by three members of the Imbonerakure, including KWIZERIMANA Jacques, a well-known figure in the area and the person in charge of the site.
The Imbonerakure stopped Selapiyo, who attempted to explain where he was going and continue on his way. This was perceived as an act of disrespect. They immediately assaulted him violently, accusing him of ignoring their authority.
Local residents intervened and managed to stop the beating. However, the Imbonerakure stated that Selapiyo had to be arrested.
🔶Arbitrary arrest, torture, and staged suicide.
Under the leadership of KWIZERIMANA Jacques, Selapiyo was tied with a rope and transported by motorcycle to the police detention cell in Buhindo, Cibitoke.
According to credible information, upon arrival at the detention cell, Selapiyo was subjected to severe beatings by the Imbonerakure. Most alarmingly, a police officer on duty at the detention facility witnessed the abuse and failed to intervene.
Selapiyo, still bound and brutally beaten, died inside the detention cell. Following his death, the Imbonerakure allegedly decided to stage the scene as a suicide, placing a rope around his neck and hanging his body.
This version is strongly disputed. Observations from the scene — including his feet touching the ground, an inconsistent body position, and extensive injuries visible across his body, as shown in images — clearly contradict the claim of suicide.
🔶Public outrage and lack of accountability
On Sunday, 18 January 2026, outraged citizens demanded the arrest of those responsible, rejecting the suicide narrative.
Although the police officer on duty and one of the Imbonerakure involved were reportedly arrested, the others fled. There are credible reports that those detained were quickly released, despite the gravity of the crime and the need for judicial proceedings.
This situation has sparked widespread anger among the population, who continue to demand truth, justice, and accountability for the killing of NIBIZI Selapiyo.
🔶Position of King Umurundi Freedom
King Umurundi Freedom strongly condemns this extrajudicial killing allegedly committed by Imbonerakure members. The organization also denounces the inaction and complicity of state authorities, which perpetuate a climate of impunity.
Failure to hold perpetrators accountable for such crimes poses a serious threat to the rule of law and risks further destabilizing Burundi.