A Series of Abuses Committed by Imbonerakure Members
A citizen identified as Ruberintwari Abraham, 42 years old and residing on Munzenze Hill, Mishiha Zone, Gisagara Commune, in Buhumuza Province, was the victim of a violent assault on the evening of June 8, 2026. Local residents allege the involvement of members of the Imbonerakure and are calling for the prompt opening of an independent investigation.
According to testimonies collected on the ground, the victim, a trader by profession, was returning home after collecting a debt when he reportedly fell into an ambush between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. While riding his motorcycle, Mr. Ruberintwari is said to have encountered tree trunks deliberately placed across the road by a group of individuals armed with clubs reinforced with metal wire.
After being forced to stop, he was allegedly severely beaten and robbed of his belongings. The attackers reportedly stole approximately 600,000 Burundian francs, 100,000 Tanzanian shillings, and his Android mobile phone.
The same sources indicate that the assailants also damaged his motorcycle by removing its battery and destroying the odometer before fleeing the scene, leaving the victim seriously injured.
Passersby and local residents who became aware of the incident intervened and provided assistance. They quickly transported him to a health facility where he received emergency medical treatment.
According to several witnesses, one of the alleged perpetrators was identified as Longin, who is described as a local member of the Imbonerakure. However, residents claim that no official investigation has yet been launched and that the suspect remains at large. He reportedly fled the area the day after the attack.
The local population has expressed deep concern over the incident and is urging administrative, police, and judicial authorities to conduct an impartial investigation in order to identify and prosecute all those responsible. Residents are also demanding that the victim receive justice, compensation for the harm suffered, and the recovery of the property stolen from him.