Bururi: Man killed by his half-brother, population fears impunity

SOS Médias Burundi

Bururi, April 25, 2025 – A family tragedy amid a land dispute turned deadly this Thursday, April 24, on Rushemeza hill in Bururi commune and province (southern Burundi). The suspect, a local leader of the Imbonerakure, members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD – the presidential party, was arrested. But doubts about impartial justice persist.

Libère Ndayiragije died in tragic circumstances in Kavumvu, on Rushemeza hill. According to consistent local sources, he was violently beaten and then strangled by his half-brother, Méchac Minani, during a land dispute. The conflict reportedly erupted when the victim attempted to prevent her attacker from cutting down a tree on her property.

The incident occurred in broad daylight, in full view of several residents. Méchac Minani is known in the region as a leader of the Imbonerakure, the youth league affiliated with the ruling CNDD-FDD party. This incident has raised serious concerns among the population, who fear that the suspect’s political affiliation could foster impunity.

“They say he was arrested, but we fear he will be quietly released under pressure from his influential relatives,” said a resident, who requested anonymity.

Contacted by SOS Médias Burundi, the communal administrator of Bururi, Félixis Niyongabo, confirmed Méchac Minani’s arrest. He is currently being held in the provincial police station cell. The administrator calls for calm: “we urge the population to always favor legal route and to trust the administration.”

Despite this appeal, anger remains high in Kavumvu. Residents demand a rigorous and transparent investigation. They call on the justice system to do its job without interference or favoritism.

“We want justice to be done, regardless of the status or affiliation of the culprit,” insists another resident.

The investigation is ongoing. It remains to be seen whether the Burundian justice system will be able to reassure a population increasingly wary of the links between political power and impunity.

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Four men transport the body of a man found dead in Gitega, DR