A family from Nyagatovu Hill, Bukuba Zone, Kirundo Commune, Butanyerera Province, is facing repeated persecution and injustice by local authorities. Denied any form of recourse and prevented from being heard, the family finds itself in an extremely precarious situation.
🔶 Origin of the Conflict
The dispute involves the family and the Pentecostal church in the Munyinya neighborhood, located near their land. Between the family’s property and the church lies a small traditional pathway used by local residents. Over time, the church leaders constructed buildings that encroached on this path and later attempted to relocate the pathway onto the family’s land, sparking tensions.
The local zone chief, Agnès NSHIMIRIMANA, a member of this church, sided with the church leaders. She prohibited local mediators from listening to the family and supported the church’s decisions, further worsening the injustice.
🔶 Intimidation and Misrepresentation of Documents
On 01/11/2025, the zone chief, accompanied by Imbonerakure led by KARENZO Matto (alias Bivunyungu), came to cut down a tree belonging to the family, claiming the area was needed for the pathway relocation.
Despite the family’s attempts to present their case to local mediators, they were prevented from doing so. The zone chief even confiscated the mediators’ documents that the family had prepared.
Later, the communal administrator (Musitanteri) of Kirundo, Ir Jean Berchimas NDIKURIYO, issued a misleading document, claiming that the tree had been legally authorized for removal, although it had actually been cut a month earlier on 01/11/2025, before the document was drafted on 02/12/2025.
🔶 Blocked Judicial Recourse
The family then approached the Vumbi First Instance Court, but their request was rejected because they did not have the mediators’ report, which the zone chief had blocked. Denied any legal remedy, the family remains unable to protect their land or assert their rights.
🔶 Current Situation and Call for Help
To date, the family cannot cultivate or use their land and remains trapped in their legal struggles. Family members and supporters are now appealing to higher authorities and the justice system to end this injustice and ensure the family’s rights are finally respected.