It has now been more than two weeks since GAHUNGU Thadée disappeared, without his family or the public knowing where he is or why he was taken by agents of the intelligence services.
Today, we return to this case of enforced disappearance—about which we had already issued a public alert (link …)—in light of new information gathered through our investigations.
🔶 Victim’s Identity
GAHUNGU Thadée, 49 years old, lives in KAMESA I neighborhood, Musaga Zone, in the city of Bujumbura. He is married and the father of three children.
He worked as a driver for the private security company Garda World Security, based near the Jardin Public in Bujumbura, where he was described as a serious, disciplined, and trustworthy employee.
On Friday, 16 January 2026, at around 5:00 p.m., GAHUNGU Thadée left his workplace to return home. He never arrived. Since that day, his family has had no news of him.
🔶 Brief Background of GAHUNGU Thadée
GAHUNGU Thadée is a former member of the ex-FAB (former Burundian Armed Forces). During the 2015 protests against the third term of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza, he was on a peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
He returned to Burundi in May 2016—one year after the 2015 events—and was assigned to the 11th Armored Battalion, which had recently been transferred from Randa (Bubanza).
🔶 Initial Persecution After His Return
In 2016, GAHUNGU Thadée was arrested and detained at the National Intelligence Service (SNR) headquarters in Bujumbura, before being transferred to Ngozi Central Prison.
He was accused of threatening state security and of illegal possession of weapons.
However, consistent testimonies from his former colleagues indicate that these accusations were fabricated, as GAHUNGU had never left his camp after returning from Somalia.
He spent five years in detention before being released in April 2021, having meanwhile lost his job in the army. After his release, he joined the private sector, notably Garda World Security.
🔶 Abduction of 16 January 2026: Our Findings
Our investigations confirm that on 16 January 2026, shortly before his disappearance, two unknown phone numbers repeatedly attempted to contact GAHUNGU Thadée.
We have decided not to make these numbers public at this stage for security reasons. However, if necessary, they may be disclosed at a later time.
On his way home, GAHUNGU stopped at a bar located on Avenue 1 of Gasekebuye—Rivers Bar Nyakizu (Chez Ange)—in the immediate vicinity of the Musaga Municipal High School. He had been invited there by a person who had called him to arrange a meeting.
Upon arrival, he found two individuals, unaware that he was being lured into a carefully planned trap.
Shortly thereafter, a TI-type vehicle with tinted windows and no license plates arrived at the scene.
Inside were three intelligence service agents: two in police uniform and one in civilian clothing.
GAHUNGU Thadée was forcibly apprehended, pushed into the vehicle, which immediately drove off toward downtown Bujumbura.
🔶 Total Disappearance and Growing Concern
Since this abduction, no official information has been provided regarding his place of detention, his state of health, or the reasons for his arrest.
His employer states that there was no dispute with him and confirms that he was not involved in any disciplinary or judicial matter.
To this day, GAHUNGU Thadée remains missing, plunging his family, relatives, and colleagues into deep and ongoing distress.
🔶 Call for Truth and Accountability
In view of this grave situation, we continue to denounce an enforced disappearance, in blatant violation of fundamental human rights.
We urgently call on the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) to:
● immediately take up this case,
● locate the place of detention of GAHUNGU Thadée,
● and intervene to guarantee his safety, physical integrity, and right to due process.
No citizen should disappear in silence.
The truth about the fate of GAHUNGU Thadée must be known without delay.