Bujumbura : a Congolese refugee seriously wounded by gunshot in Buterere

Bujumbura, November 7, 2025 – A Congolese refugee, member of the Banyamulenge community, identified as Mugiraneza, was seriously wounded by gunshot on November 6 around 9 p.m. in Buterere, in the northern part of the commercial city of Bujumbura, while returning from her business activities on a motorcycle.

Mugineza is known for her small local business. According to witnesses, she was stopped by two police officers. One of the officers reportedly shot her in the leg without warning, leaving the victim in critical condition despite emergency treatment.

Recently, Banyamulenge refugees living in urban areas have been targeted for arrest, suspected of acting as spies for Rwanda. Relations between the two neighboring countries are strained, with authorities accusing each other of supporting armed groups seeking to destabilize the other’s territory. Since January 2024, Burundian authorities have closed the land borders with Rwanda.

A family member of the victim, speaking on condition of anonymity, said,

“I received a call in the middle of the night informing me that Mugiraneza had been seriously wounded. We were shocked. She needs proper medical care if she hopes to be reunited with her children.”

To date, no official statement has been released by the Burundian police. The family is demanding justice and appropriate medical support for Mugiraneza, who has committed no crime.