Cibitoke : a sexagenerian woman killed by a grenade, a land dispute in the background

SOS Médias Burundi

Cibitoke, April 16, 2025 – A 65-year-old woman, Venancia Ndikumasabo, was killed in a grenade attack on the night of April 15 in Nyempundu village, in Mugina district, Cibitoke province (northwestern Burundi). The crime, which may be linked to an old land dispute, has sparked outrage among the population. Two suspects have already been arrested.

According to residents of the Nyamakarabo area, the grenade was thrown through the victim’s bedroom window around 10 p.m. while she was sleeping. The explosion was fatal.

Venancia Ndikumasabo, a mother of eight, had just won a land dispute that had been going on for over twenty years, pitting her against some members of her in-laws. The court had awarded her a four-hectare plot of land, a decision that reportedly rekindled tensions within the family.

A local security source suggests a possible settling of scores and does not rule out the involvement of young people affiliated with the CNDD-FDD party. “The Imbonerakure regularly conduct armed night patrols in this region bordering Rwanda. They are often the ones who threaten the population,” said a resident on condition of anonymity.

A relative of the victim openly accused these young activists : “It was a premeditated crime. She won the case, and that’s the answer.”

One of the victim’s sons, deeply distressed, confided in SOS Médias Burundi :
“My mother didn’t bother anyone. She fought all her life for this land, and now that she has obtained justice, she has been silenced. We demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice and that justice protect the innocent.”

The administrator of Mugina district, Julienne Ndayihaya, confirmed the attack and announced the arrest of two people. However, she urged caution : “An investigation is underway. We must not draw hasty conclusions.”

This tragedy, combining land conflict, family tensions, and suspicions of abuse of power, has rekindled the debate on the security of rural populations in the run-up to the June 5 elections. Residents are demanding justice and an impartial investigation.

——-

A sign post indicating the town center of Mugina district (SOS Médias Burundi)