A Burundian citizen has gone missing after being abducted yesterday. His family and human rights organizations are issuing an urgent appeal.
NDAYISHIMIYE Elias, nicknamed CAWUNO, 48 years old, resides on Mukungu Hill. He is a father of eight children and works as a trader, selling palm oil (amamesa) on a daily basis.
🔶 Circumstances of the Abduction
On April 14, 2025, between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., NDAYISHIMIYE Elias was sitting at home after finishing his lunch when a friend called to inform him that a delivery of amamesa had been found and that they should meet at a location called Ku Mayirabiri (a meeting point where two small paths converge on the hill, one leading to Ingobe, the other to Burunga).
Unaware of any danger, Elias went to the location to meet his friend. Upon arrival, his friend momentarily stepped aside, and shortly after, plainclothes intelligence officers arrived in a white Toyota Carina.
The officers forced NDAYISHIMIYE Elias into the vehicle, despite his questions about the reason for his detention. The car immediately left at high speed toward Rumonge, the provincial capital.
A few hours later, on the same day, someone used NDAYISHIMIYE Elias’ phone to call family members, requesting money to “secure his release.” Since then, his phone has been unreachable and switched off, causing serious concern among his family.
🔶 Appeal for Action
To date, no official information has been provided regarding NDAYISHIMIYE Elias’ location or condition. His family urgently calls on the security authorities to take immediate action to locate him and ensure his safety.
The organization King Umurundi Freedom also urges the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) to closely monitor this case of forced disappearance.