A series of abuses allegedly attributed to Imbonerakure: why does impunity persist? The population demands justice.
NIYONZIMA Oswald, a 36-year-old citizen originally from Gitibu hill (Rango zone, Muhanga commune, Butanyerera province), has been the victim of extremely severe violence. He is currently hospitalized at Roi Khaled Hospital in Bujumbura in critical condition.
According to consistent reports, the incident dates back to April 3, 2026. Following a neighborhood dispute that had already been resolved, individuals identified as members of the Imbonerakure — known as Emile, Bosco, Nini, and Mwarabu — allegedly intervened later that day. They are reported to have violently assaulted the victim, inflicting repeated blows without giving him any chance to defend himself.
Alerted by screams, local residents intervened to stop the attack, forcing the assailants to flee. However, the injuries sustained were already extremely severe. After an initial attempt at treatment in Kayanza, the victim was transferred to Bujumbura, where his condition remains very critical. Medical sources report a progressive deterioration of certain parts of his body as a direct consequence of the inflicted abuse.
To date, the victim remains in a highly vulnerable condition, lacking sufficient resources to cover his medical treatment and basic needs.
Furthermore, no effective judicial action is reported to have been taken against the alleged perpetrators, despite strong expectations from the local community.
Faced with this situation, the victim’s relatives as well as several civil society actors are calling for:
● the immediate opening of an independent and impartial investigation;
● the arrest and prosecution of the alleged perpetrators;
● full and urgent medical care for the victim.
The organization King Umurundi Freedom strongly condemns these acts of violence and recalls that such behavior seriously undermines fundamental rights and the rule of law. It urges the competent authorities to act without delay so that justice is served and such violations do not remain unpunished.