Rubizi Hill, in Muyira Zone, Mukaza Commune, Bujumbura Province, is plunged into mourning and anger. Thierry NIYIBIZI, 35 years old, a husband and father, has died from the violent beatings inflicted on him by Imbonerakure. An atrocious death that raises a simple and brutal question: where is justice?
Thierry leaves behind four children and a pregnant wife. He was neither armed, nor wanted, nor fleeing. He was woken up in his own home, brutalized, lynched, and left agonizing.
🔶 A nocturnal punitive expedition
The events took place on Monday, August 18, 2025. That day, a family dispute broke out at the victim’s home. The altercation, involving a family member, quickly subsided. The conflict was over. Thierry withdrew and went to bed.
Shortly thereafter, a group of Imbonerakure stormed his home. The group was led by Joël NDINDAKAHA, alias MBURU, the local Imbonerakure leader, accompanied by NDAYISHIMIYE Anicet, head of the hill mediators (abahuza), as well as Séverin, deputy hill chief.
Without a warrant, without an investigation, and without any legal basis, they dragged Thierry from his sleep and subjected him to an extremely violent beating, accusing him of having “caused family disturbances.” The defenseless victim was beaten until he lost consciousness.
🔶 Left between life and death
Realizing the severity of his condition, the attackers fled the scene, leaving Thierry between life and death. It was the local residents who came to his aid.
He was first taken to a health center in PERA (commonly known as chez Claver), then transferred to another local facility in SOROREZO (Kw’ijiti – Sororezo). Given the extreme seriousness of his injuries, he was finally evacuated to the Military Hospital of Bujumbura.
Despite medical care, the injuries were too severe. On August 26, 2025, Thierry NIYIBIZI died in hospital, as a direct result of the violence he had suffered.
🔶 Popular anger and refusal to allow burial
Since the announcement of his death, the population has been in an uproar. Residents categorically refuse any burial until the perpetrators of this crime are arrested and brought to justice.
They demand:
● the immediate arrest of all Imbonerakure involved;
● criminal prosecution of all perpetrators and accomplices;
● the suspension of local authorities present or implicated;
● and fair and dignified reparations for the victim’s family.
For the people of Rubizi, this is not an isolated incident, but a serious crime that exposes an impunity that has become structural.
🔶 Position of our organization
Our organization strongly condemns the murder of Thierry NIYIBIZI. This act constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights, particularly the right to life and the right to security, as guaranteed by the Burundian Constitution and by international conventions ratified by Burundi.
We demand:
● the immediate opening of an independent, impartial, and credible investigation;
● the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators, co-perpetrators, and accomplices, without any political or administrative protection;
● the protection of witnesses and members of the victim’s family;
● and an end to the impunity enjoyed by certain groups operating outside any legal framework.
Our organization reaffirms its full solidarity with the family of Thierry NIYIBIZI and with the population of Rubizi, and strongly recalls that justice is not a favor, but a right.
No lasting peace is possible as long as such crimes go unpunished.