A citizen was reportedly violently assaulted, beaten and then thrown into a river by Imbonerakure in Mbuye Commune, Muramvya Province. The local population is calling for justice and for the full circumstances surrounding his death to be established.
The citizen, MBONIHANKUYE Oscar, from Masama Hill, was reportedly severely beaten by Imbonerakure before being thrown into the Mubarazi River. Residents are calling for those responsible to be held accountable and for his family to obtain justice.
Circumstances of the Incident
According to information gathered, the events reportedly began on Saturday, February 11, 2024, when Imbonerakure members in Masama Hill organized community work activities. Some residents did not participate.
Following the activities, the Imbonerakure reportedly went in search of those who had been absent and imposed fines on them. Each person was reportedly required to pay a fine of 180,000 Burundian francs.
On Saturday, February 18, 2024, Imbonerakure members from Masama Hill reportedly organized community work activities again. At the end of the activities, they reportedly went in search of residents who had not taken part.
Among those they were looking for that day was MBONIHANKUYE Oscar. The Imbonerakure reportedly first went to his home, where they were informed that he had gone to work.
They subsequently found him in a field on the same hill, where he was working with his wife, NIJIMBERE Judith.
According to the information gathered, the Imbonerakure reportedly asked Oscar why he had not participated in the community work. He reportedly explained that he had been occupied with his work.
The Imbonerakure then reportedly demanded that he pay the fine. Oscar reportedly replied that he did not have the money.
They then allegedly tied Oscar’s hands and violently beat him. After beating him, they reportedly lifted him and threw him into the Mubarazi River, which is located near the field where he had been working.
After witnessing her husband being thrown into the river, his wife reportedly cried out and wept. The Imbonerakure then allegedly ordered her to leave the field and return home.
Five Imbonerakure Arrested
Following the death, local residents reportedly filed a complaint with the authorities. Five Imbonerakure allegedly involved in the incident were reportedly arrested:
NDAYIZEYE Eric
Elaste, also known as Lasta
Aimable
Thierry
another Imbonerakure known as WARIRAYE
They were reportedly detained at the Mbuye Commune detention facility starting on Monday, February 19, 2024.
However, according to the information available, no judicial decision has reportedly been issued against them to date. There are concerns that they could potentially be released.
MBONIHANKUYE Oscar’s Body Remains Missing
Following MBONIHANKUYE Oscar’s death, residents reportedly attempted to recover his body from the Mubarazi River, but were unsuccessful. The search would reportedly require appropriate technical resources and equipment.
Residents reportedly contacted NDAYISASIRIRE Evelyne, the administrator of Mbuye Commune, to request the commune’s assistance in recovering the body. They claim that she ended their telephone call and that she did not receive them when they went to the commune.
They also reportedly attempted to contact NIYINKUNDA Pie, the permanent secretary of Mbuye Commune, to request assistance with the matter. According to them, he also ended their telephone call.
The situation has caused deep concern and distress among residents of Masama Hill.
The Population Calls for Justice
Residents are calling on the communal authorities to provide assistance in recovering MBONIHANKUYE Oscar’s body so that his family can give him a dignified burial.
They are also calling on the President of the Republic, Évariste NDAYISHIMIYE, to intervene so that the necessary technical resources can be mobilized to recover the body from the Mubarazi River and ensure that justice is served.
MBONIHANKUYE Oscar was married to NIJIMBERE Judith, and the couple had six children. Residents are concerned about the future of these children, who have lost their father and whose mother may now face significant difficulties in raising them alone.
The population continues to call on the authorities to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death, determine responsibility, and ensure that justice is served.