The Burundian human rights organization Ligue Iteka issued an alarming statement on March 19, 2026, regarding the abduction and disappearance of Chadia Mukaremera, an employee of the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH), which occurred on February 25, 2026, in Buyenzi, Bujumbura.
According to Ligue Iteka, Chadia Mukaremera had communicated with a colleague shortly before her disappearance. Since then, no reliable information about her whereabouts has been shared. The organization denounces the silence of the CNIDH and its inaction in response to the disappearance of one of its own members.
The statement highlights that internal tensions within the CNIDH may be limiting search initiatives and transparency, depriving both the family and society of essential answers. It also warns that this abduction could create a climate of intimidation within the CNIDH, putting other employees at risk.
Ligue Iteka calls on all human rights partners and organizations, both in Burundi and internationally, to get involved in quickly obtaining information about the victim and to pressure for the truth to be revealed.
❗ Ligue Iteka recommends:
To CNIDH: Immediately communicate the measures taken and preliminary results of the investigation
To the police and the public prosecutor: Conduct a serious and transparent investigation
To the Government of Burundi: Combat the impunity that allows such crimes to occur
Truth and justice for Chadia Mukaremera must be a priority.