The Organization King Umurundi Freedom is issuing an alert regarding the alleged enforced disappearance of Mr. IRAKOZE Christ Kelly, a young Burundian citizen who was reportedly arrested and taken to an unknown destination by individuals suspected of being intelligence agents. Since his abduction on January 26, 2026, his relatives have received no information about his whereabouts.
Identity of the Missing Person
Mr. IRAKOZE Christ Kelly, aged 27, is a single young man residing in Kinanira neighborhood, Mugere Commune, Bujumbura Province.
Circumstances of the Disappearance
According to information gathered from sources who reported his disappearance, on January 26, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Mr. IRAKOZE Christ Kelly was returning home when he was intercepted on Ntwarante Avenue, located in Kinindo neighborhood (Kinindo Zone, Mugere Commune, Bujumbura City).
Unidentified individuals, suspected of being agents of the National Intelligence Service, allegedly apprehended him, covered his face to prevent him from seeing where he was being taken, and forcibly placed him into a double-cabin vehicle with tinted windows. Since that moment, his whereabouts have remained unknown.
Family Concerns
To date, his family has received no information regarding his fate and remains unaware of the reasons for his arrest or the location where he may be held. This situation has raised serious concerns about his safety, physical integrity, and the respect of his fundamental rights.
Appeal to the Competent Authorities
The Organization King Umurundi Freedom calls upon the Burundian authorities to take all necessary measures to promptly establish the fate and whereabouts of Mr. IRAKOZE Christ Kelly, disclose his place of detention or current location, and guarantee his safety as well as the protection of his fundamental rights.
The Organization also calls upon the Independent National Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) to take up this case, conduct the necessary investigations, and intervene with the relevant authorities to ensure that the full truth surrounding this disappearance is established and that the victim benefits from all legal guarantees provided under national and international law.