A Burundian citizen, Hadji Hakizimana, narrowly escaped death after being abducted in an operation allegedly carried out by intelligence agents. The case highlights a disturbing pattern of targeted abductions, often followed by robbery, occurring in a climate of persistent impunity.
🔶 A Carefully Planned Operation
According to information gathered from sources close to the investigation, the abduction of Hadji Hakizimana was allegedly planned by Colonel of Police NDUWAYO Jean Claver, an intelligence officer assigned to Melchior Ndadaye International Airport. The presumed objective of the operation was to strip him of his money and his vehicle.
Hadji Hakizimana is a well-known business operator in Bujumbura. He lives in the Nyabugete neighborhood and owns an air transport agency known as HGS, located at Sioni Market.
On the afternoon of August 7, Jean Claver reportedly contacted him by phone, claiming he wanted to speak with him. The two allegedly agreed to meet later that evening near Intwari Stadium, in downtown Bujumbura.
🔶 The Trap Closes Near Intwari Stadium
At around 6:30 p.m., Hadji Hakizimana arrived at the meeting point driving his VOX vehicle, accompanied by citizens to whom he had given a lift. At the scene, he noticed a white Probox in which Jean Claver was seated. The latter got out, greeted Hadji and the passengers, creating the appearance of an ordinary meeting.
A few minutes later, a white Double Cab pickup truck with tinted windows, identified as belonging to the intelligence services, arrived at the scene. Police officers and two men in civilian clothes got out, violently seized Hadji, handcuffed him, blindfolded him, and forcibly took him away.
🔶 Citizens’ Courage Changes the Course of Events
The passengers who witnessed the scene immediately understood that it was an abduction. Refusing to remain passive, they surrounded Jean Claver, prevented him from leaving, and demanded explanations about Hadji’s whereabouts.
Their reaction caused major commotion. The shouting attracted attention until other police officers arrived. Under public pressure, Jean Claver was arrested on the spot, along with his vehicle, and taken to the Bwiza Prosecutor’s Office (PJ Bwiza).
According to our sources, Hadji had already been transferred to a secluded house in Kiriri, equipped with a basement, a place reportedly used by some intelligence agents to detain, torture, and even execute citizens before disposing of their bodies.
🔶 A Discreet Release in the Middle of the Night
After Jean Claver’s arrest, the agents holding Hadji allegedly received orders not to harm him. At around 4:00 a.m., Hadji was transported in another vehicle, still blindfolded, and abandoned behind Intwari Stadium.
He was alive, but completely robbed: all his money and the keys to his vehicle were stolen.
🔶 A Token Arrest and Serious Concerns
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Colonel Jean Claver was quickly released, a situation our sources describe as a “token arrest”, intended only to appease public anger. His Probox vehicle, however, remains impounded to this day.
More worrying still, several sources claim that Jean Claver swore not to accept the failure of his plan, raising fears of serious reprisals. They are calling on the competent authorities and human rights organizations to ensure the safety of Hadji Hakizimana, who is now exposed to grave threats.
“It is imperative to make this case public. Hadji’s life is in danger because those who planned to rob and eliminate him do not accept this failure,” said a security source.
🔶 Unanswered Questions Remain
Who is Colonel of Police NDUWAYO Jean Claver really?
What is his background within the security services?
Why was he released so quickly despite such serious allegations?
➡️ These questions remain unanswered and will be addressed in our next investigation.