To His Excellency Mr. Évariste NDAYISHIMIYE
President of the Republic of Burundi
Gitega
Subject: Urgent Call for the Opening of a Summary (Flagrance) Trial in the Case of Donatien NDUWIMANA – Denunciation of Abuse of Power and Persistent Impunity
Your Excellency, Mr. President,
With deep concern, we, King Umurundi Freedom (KUF-ASBL)—an organization dedicated to the defense of human rights, justice, and good governance—wish to draw your high attention to a grave and emblematic case of abuse of power that resulted in the death of a citizen, and whose stalled judicial proceedings are causing serious public concern.
On July 14, 2025, in Nyagasebeyi, Musenyi zone, Tangara commune, Butanyerera province, Mr. Donatien NDUWIMANA, a restaurant owner, was brutally assaulted by Mr. Jean Pierre BUTOYI, President of the Tangara Court of First Instance, assisted by two police officers, Mr. Emmanuel BIZIMANA and Mr. Jean Baptiste NIJIMBERE.
The justification given for this indefensible act was trivial: an allegedly poorly washed dish.
This minor dispute was manipulated to falsely accuse Mr. NDUWIMANA of “insulting a magistrate,” a pretext used to justify a violent assault carried out directly in his establishment.
The brutality of the attack caused a rapid deterioration of his health. He developed severe abdominal distension, acute urinary retention, and intestinal obstruction—symptoms indicating a critical medical emergency requiring immediate transfer to several health facilities.
He was first taken to the Musenyi Health Center, then to the community hospital, and later to the Ngozi Hospital, where he died on July 18, 2025.
On the same day, the three public officials involved were detained at the provincial police station in Ngozi. However, more than ten days after the events, no court hearing has taken place, despite the seriousness of the case and the clear-cut circumstances justifying the use of a flagrance procedure, in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure.
On July 21, as citizens gathered peacefully in front of the Ngozi Court of First Instance, hoping for a swift hearing of the suspects, they were informed that the session had been postponed due to an administrative meeting. The following day, they were violently dispersed by police without explanation.
Since then, no judicial progress has been reported, and the body of the victim remains at the Ngozi Hospital, without burial, awaiting a justice that continues to be delayed.
This prolonged institutional silence in such an obvious case can only be interpreted as a sign of entrenched impunity—contradicting the rule-of-law principles that you have repeatedly committed to uphold. It undermines public trust in the judicial system and threatens social stability.
Your Excellency, Mr. President,
This tragedy cannot be left unpunished.
Justice must be rendered swiftly, transparently, and independently.
Therefore, we respectfully request your intervention to ensure:
- The immediate opening of a summary (flagrance) trial, in accordance with the evident and legally qualifying nature of the facts;
- The rapid transfer of the case to an independent judicial authority, to avoid any local interference;
- The protection of witnesses and the local population, who continue to demonstrate civic courage despite an atmosphere of intimidation.
We ask that you consider this letter not merely as a denunciation but as an appeal to safeguard the integrity of Burundi’s judicial system—one of the essential pillars of any democracy.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest respect.
For King Umurundi Freedom (KUF-ASBL)
Vianney NIZIGIYIMANA
President
Copies to:
- Ms. Domine BANYANKIMBONA, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals
- Mr. Martin NITERETSE, Minister of the Interior, Community Development, and Public Security
- Mr. Léonard MANIRAKIZA, Prosecutor General of the Republic
- Mgr Martin Blaise NYABOHO, President of CNIDH-Burundi
Email: kingumurundifreedom@gmail.com
Twitter: x.com/KUF_ASBL
Phone: +27 76 270 9776