Bubanza : three Imbonerakure arrested after the murder of a peer educator in Karinzi

SOS Médias Burundi

Bubanza, September 10, 2025 – In Bubanza, Bujumbura province (western Burundi), police arrested three members of the CNDD-FDD youth league, suspected of participating in the fatal lynching of a fifty-year-old peer educator in Karinzi village, Muramba zone. A middle school pupil was also arrested, while three other suspects remain at large.

Tragedy rocked Karinzi village on the evening of September 7, 2025. A fifty-year-old man, recognized in his community as a peer educator, respected father, and grandfather, was brutally killed by a group of young Imbonerakure.

According to witnesses, around 7 p.m., six young Imbonerakure were accompanying a primary school pupil to a location deemed suspicious by local residents. The fifty-year-old man, known for his wise advice and integrity, reportedly noticed the young girl’s presence and asked her to go home, fearing she was being abused. The middle school pupil complied and left the area.

The young girl’s departure, however, was not well received by the six youths. Enraged, they turned on the man, beating him until he died on the spot.

A community in mourning

The victim was valued for his role as a wise man and educator within the Karinzi village community. His sudden death plunged the community into dismay.
“We have lost a man of integrity who counseled young people and advocated respect,” lamented a resident met at the scene.

Investigation and arrests

The Bubanza police responded quickly. Three Imbonerakure and the schoolgirl were arrested and placed in the provincial police station’s cell on September 8. Three other suspects are still being sought by law enforcement.

Call for justice

The local administration, through officials from the Muramba zone, expressed its deep outrage. It condemns this crime, which it describes as “barbaric,” and calls on the justice system to shed full light on this case so that the perpetrators are punished in accordance with the law.