Imbonerakure launched a grenade into a home, killing a family member.
The province of Buhumuza (eastern Burundi) is reeling after a series of exceptionally violent attacks targeting the same family on Bihogo hill, in the Gasorwe zone, Muyinga commune. Two grenade attacks, just three days apart, claimed the life of a mother and left an infant severely mutilated, reigniting concerns about insecurity and impunity.
🔶 A First Attack That Instills Fear
The events date back to the night of Friday, January 23, 2026. Around 8 p.m., NTADUGIRA Isaac was returning to his family home when an individual threw a grenade at the entrance of the house. Although the head of the household was not directly hit, the explosion damaged the door and spread fear throughout the neighborhood.
An investigation was opened the following day. The investigations revealed the alleged involvement of Imbonerakure (members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party in Burundi), notably HAROGINTORE Sarutiel, known as a local intermediary. The latter allegedly threatened the victim the day before, under the pretext of a “mission.” He was arrested along with another suspect, NDARUZANIYE. Both admitted to participating in the preparation of the attack, without however revealing the identity of their accomplices.
🔶 A Second Fatal Attack Three Days Later
On the night of Monday, January 26, 2026, barely three days after the first attack, violence struck again. Around 11 p.m., a grenade was thrown through the window of the bedroom where the family was sleeping. The explosion seriously injured MACUMI Namariya, wife of NTADUGIRA Isaac, as well as their approximately one-year-old child.
The mother was critically wounded in the abdomen and arms. The child suffered severe leg injuries, resulting in the amputation of his right leg. The victims were first taken to Rusimbuko hospital before being transferred to the provincial hospital in Ngozi. Despite medical care, MACUMI Namariya succumbed to her injuries on January 30, 2026, and was buried the same day. The child continues to receive medical treatment.
According to several local sources, this second attack was allegedly led by an Imbonerakure named TOTO Aruno, currently on the run. He is reportedly known for his close ties to authorities and allegedly recently participated in combat in the Democratic Republic of Congo alongside the Burundian National Defense Forces (FDNB).
🔶 Arrests, Suspicions, and Fear of Impunity
Following the second attack, two merchant brothers, BIGIRIMANA and NKORERIMANA, doing business in Bihogo, were also arrested. Suspicions center on an old conflict between their family and that of NTADUGIRA Isaac. After the recent death of their mother, they accused this family of poisoning her and allegedly made threats of revenge. It is presumed that they financed and recruited Imbonerakure to carry out these attacks.
Despite these arrests, the local population expresses deep concern. Persistent rumors suggest a possible lack of serious judicial prosecution, or even the release of the suspects. On Bihogo hill, pain and anger are growing, while residents demand justice for a shattered family and denounce violence that continues to tragically mark the region.