After spending several years in exile in Uganda, NIYONGERE Eric returned to Burundi in April 2025 to reunite with his family and rebuild his life in his home country. Just one month after his return, he was arrested at his home by soldiers. Since May 20, 2025, his family has received no information about his whereabouts and remains unaware of his fate.
Identification of the Missing Person
NIYONGERE Eric, 44 years old, lived in the Rango neighborhood of Gitega, where he resided with his wife and their three children.He had recently returned to Burundi after several years in exile in Uganda, where he had sought refuge since 2015. He returned to his home country in April 2025.
Circumstances of the Disappearance
According to information gathered by King Umurundi Freedom, NIYONGERE Eric was arrested on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
At around 6:00 a.m., two pickup trucks carrying several soldiers arrived at his residence. Upon arrival, the soldiers surrounded the house. Noticing the unusual military presence, NIYONGERE Eric stepped outside to find out what was happening. He was immediately apprehended by the soldiers.
The soldiers also confiscated his mobile phone as well as his wife’s phone before taking them away.
Shortly afterward, NIYONGERE Eric was forced into one of the vehicles, which then left the scene. According to several sources, the convoy headed toward Bujumbura.
Since that operation, no information has been provided regarding his whereabouts or the reasons for his arrest. Both his phone and his wife’s phone remain switched off and unreachable.
His disappearance has caused deep concern among his family members, relatives, and friends, who are calling on the relevant authorities to provide information about where he was taken and his current condition.
King Umurundi Freedom has also called on the National Independent Human Rights Commission of Burundi (CNIDH) to help clarify the fate and whereabouts of NIYONGERE Eric.