Gikungu : a money transfer agent killed by a soldier

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, June 16, 2025 – A tragedy struck the Gikungu neighborhood, in the Gihosha zone, Ntahangwa district (north of the commercial capital Bujumbura), on Monday morning. Chantal Nizigiyimana, a money transfer agent, was shot dead by a soldier, according to several witnesses.

Originally from Mugozi village, in the district and province of Bururi (southern part of the country), the victim resided in Gikungu, where she carried out her business activities. According to initial reports, the uniformed soldier conducted a transaction with the young woman before offering to accompany her to another location to withdraw additional funds. The victim apparently accepted, unaware of the trap.

A few meters from the starting point, in a more secluded area, the soldier allegedly pulled out his weapon and opened fire, killing her instantly. He then searched her bag, taking an unspecified amount of cash and two Android phones.

As of the end of the day, neither the local administration in the north of the commercial capital, Bujumbura, nor the Burundian army had commented on this murder. The identity of the soldier remains unknown, as do the motives for this act.

The tragedy has sparked intense emotion in the neighborhood. Residents, still in shock, are demanding a serious investigation. “This criminal must be arrested and brought to justice. We fear for our safety,” confided a witness.

In recent years, attacks against money transfer agents and street vendors have increased in the capital. These acts of violence are often attributed to police officers, accused of extortion, confiscation of equipment, or brutality. Punishment remains rare despite regular complaints.

The murder of Chantal Nizigiyimana, this time attributed to a soldier, marks a worrying escalation.

“These women and young operators have become easy targets. They handle cash, often without protection, and the authorities turn a blind eye to the abuses,” laments a member of a Bujumbura-based human rights organization.