What happened to Pastor CISHAHAYO Nestor?
Pastor CISHAHAYO Nestor has been reported missing for several days, and his family does not know what has happened to him or where he might be.
He is 46 years old, originally from Ngayane hill, Gitaramuka commune, Karusi province (former administrative boundaries). He currently resides in Maramvya quarter, Maramvya zone, Ntahangwa commune, in the city of Bujumbura. Married and father of six children, he works as a pastor at ENHAKKORE church located in Buganda, Cibitoke commune. According to his relatives, he is not involved in any political activity.
Circumstances of his disappearance
According to information gathered from his family and close contacts, Pastor CISHAHAYO Nestor left his home on Sunday 10/05/2026 to go to the church in Buganda, where he was scheduled to carry out his usual religious duties. That day, he reportedly informed his family that he would spend the night there due to his pastoral responsibilities.
On Monday 11/05/2026, he reportedly informed his relatives that he was returning to Bujumbura. However, from midday onwards, his phone was no longer reachable.
Consistent reports indicate that he left the church that Monday morning on a motorcycle with registration number J 1846 A, which he usually used for his travel. However, he never arrived at his home.
Initial information suggests a possible arrest while he was still on the road to Bujumbura. He was allegedly apprehended by intelligence agents operating in Cibitoke commune and taken to an unknown destination.
Some sources suggest a possible link between this disappearance and internal tensions that had existed for some time within his church, particularly at the leadership level.
Growing concerns
To date, no official information has been provided regarding the whereabouts or condition of Pastor CISHAHAYO Nestor.
His relatives are also concerned about the silence from certain church leaders and colleagues, who have not taken any public steps to report his disappearance or seek explanations about what may have happened to him.
Given the growing concerns about his safety, his family is calling on the competent authorities, security services, and the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) to shed full light on this disappearance and to allow the family to know the truth about the fate of Pastor CISHAHAYO Nestor.