Concerning Disappearance of Mr. Alexis NIMBONA, Member of the Burundian Diaspora and Swedish Citizen
Who is Alexis NIMBONA?
Originally from Gikuzi, Vugizo commune (now Nyanza commune in Burunga province), Alexis NIMBONA is a Burundian living in Sweden. He returned to Burundi on September 12, 2025, hoping to visit his family, reconnect with his homeland, and follow up on ongoing personal projects.
Arrest at the Airport
Upon landing at Melchior NDADAYE Airport in Bujumbura on September 12, 2025, he was immediately apprehended by agents of the National Intelligence Service (SNR). His personal belongings—including his phones—were confiscated, and he was briefly detained at the Judicial Police (PJ). Although released on September 13, his belongings were not returned.
On September 14, 2025, he was summoned again by the SNR, who told him he could collect his phones. Since that day, Mr. NIMBONA has not been seen or heard from. All attempts by his family to obtain information from police or prison authorities have failed. No official detention has been recorded. He is therefore considered missing.
Preliminary information suggests that he may be accused of having expressed criticism of Burundian authorities while living abroad.
In light of this alarming situation, King Umurundi Freedom:
— Demands that the SNR immediately disclose the whereabouts of Mr. Alexis NIMBONA,
— Calls on the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) to launch an urgent investigation.