January 8, 2025, marks one year since the disappearance of NIZIGAMA Corinne, a 24-year-old woman from Mirama Hill, Muyira Zone, Kanyosha Commune, in the former province of Bujumbura Rural.
On January 8, 2024, at around 8:20 p.m., while she was at a location known as “Ku Masalon,” in the Gasenyi neighborhood of Bujumbura, she was allegedly forcibly taken by individuals identified as agents of the National Intelligence Service (Service national de renseignement – SNR), in a Toyota vehicle of the TI type, registration number B0857A.
Since then, her family has received no news of her fate and does not know where she is being held.
CONCERNING INFORMATION REQUIRING JUDICIAL INVESTIGATION
King Umurundi Freedom (KUF-ASBL) states that it has received information it considers reliable indicating that Samuel NTARYABASOVYE, identified as an SNR agent and originally from the same Muyira area as Corinne, was allegedly aboard the vehicle bearing registration number B0857A on the day of her disappearance. According to this information, he may also have played a role in organizing the alleged abduction.
The organization has also received information implicating NAHIMANA Vénérande, identified as the head of the Kanyosha Communal Education Directorate (DCE Kanyosha) and vice-president of the CNDD-FDD party in Mukaza Commune. Her possible involvement in this disappearance must be examined through an independent and thorough investigation.
These allegations must be verified by the competent judicial authorities. The individuals named should be questioned on the basis of verifiable information and evidence and given the opportunity to respond to any allegations against them, in full respect of their rights.
KUF-ASBL CALLS FOR:
The opening or continuation of an independent and impartial investigation into the disappearance of Corinne NIZIGAMA.
The questioning of Samuel NTARYABASOVYE and NAHIMANA Vénérande by the competent judicial authorities, based on the available information and evidence.
The establishment of the truth about the circumstances of her disappearance and the identification of all those who may be responsible.
An urgent search for Corinne and the provision of verifiable information to her family about her fate and whereabouts, including her place of detention if she is being held.
ONE YEAR OF SILENCE. ONE YEAR OF ANGUISH. ONE YEAR WITHOUT ANSWERS.
Where is Corinne NIZIGAMA? Who knows where she is? Who will be held accountable for her disappearance?
Her family has the right to know the truth. Justice must take its course. Corinne must not be forgotten.