KAZUNGU Joseph, a 38-year-old Burundian citizen, has been missing for five days. According to available information, he was contacted by an intelligence officer and has not been seen since.
Originally from Gituro Quarter, Kamenge Zone, Ntahangwa Commune, KAZUNGU Joseph currently lives in Asiatique Quarter, in Bujumbura. He is self-employed and runs a small hotel in Kamenge, near the main RN1 road, and also works as a vehicle commissioner in the city.
It is important to note that KAZUNGU Joseph was formerly a neighbor of intelligence officer Joseph Mathias NIYONZIMA, also known as “Kazungu.” Both lived in Gituro Quarter in the past but later moved: KAZUNGU Joseph to Asiatique Quarter, and NIYONZIMA to Carama Quarter. Although they no longer shared the same household, their former homes were on the same street.
🔶 The summons preceding his disappearance
On Thursday, November 28, 2024, KAZUNGU Joseph was contacted by phone by officer NIYONZIMA, who asked him to come to his office at the main headquarters of the intelligence services in Bujumbura, near the Cathédrale Regina Mundi.
Feeling no guilt for any wrongdoing and knowing the officer who called him, KAZUNGU Joseph went to the meeting in his personal vehicle, a VOX. Since that day, no one knows his whereabouts. His phone has remained switched off, and it is also unknown what happened to his vehicle.
Friends and family, deeply concerned, have attempted to seek information from the intelligence services, but no official response has been given, heightening fears for his safety and physical integrity.
🔶 Urgent Call to Authorities
Given the seriousness of the situation, family, citizens, and human rights defenders urgently call on the competent authorities and the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) to:
● Locate KAZUNGU Joseph and inform his family of his condition and place of detention;
● Ensure his safety and physical integrity;
● Prevent any risk of mistreatment or enforced disappearance.