Gitega and Makamba : bodies found almost daily, the population lives in fear

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega/Makamba, November 12, 2025 – Fear is taking hold in central and southern Burundi. For several weeks, the discovery of bodies in mysterious circumstances has been increasing in Gitega and Makamba, fueling a growing sense of insecurity and profound unease among the local population.

Nyakeru (Gitega) : Jean Cimpaye found hanged in his home

In Nyakeru, in the Bugendana district, Gitega province, the lifeless body of 60-year-old Jean Cimpaye was found on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, hanging from the rafters of his house.

According to Juvenal Butoyi, chief of Nyakeru village, the circumstances of the tragedy remain unclear. He mentions family conflicts and suggests the possibility of suicide :

“Jean Cimpaye had already attempted suicide ten years ago, but without success,” he states.

However, several residents dispute this version. They denounce inconsistencies in the case and demand an independent investigation to establish the truth and bring any perpetrators to justice.
The body was buried the same day.

Two days earlier, on November 9, 2025, another resident, 30-year-old Pascal Nkunzimana, was fatally beaten in Mushikanwa village, also in the same district.

Makamba : a young man found dead in his home

Another tragedy has struck the south of the country. In Makamba, in Burunga province, a young man of about 25 years of age, named Boris, was found dead Tuesday morning in his home in Kizingoma village.

According to witnesses, it was his father, returning from the town of Makamba, who made the grim discovery.

The young man was preparing to start his own family, and his parents had recently given him the family home to encourage him.

“His face bore marks of asphyxiation and visible marks around his neck,” relatives testified.

“We saw him the day before, healthy; no one expected such a tragedy,” neighbors added.

The district administrator, Prosper Bizimana, confirmed that administration and health authorities went to the scene to conduct the initial investigation. The police are continuing their inquiries to determine the exact cause of death.

This tragedy comes just one month after the discovery of another unidentified body in Jimbi village, in the same district.

Unrelenting insecurity

These recent incidents in Gitega and Makamba reflect persistent insecurity in the central and southern parts of the country.
Residents say that hardly a day goes by without a body being found, often under suspicious circumstances.

The population is calling on the authorities to conduct thorough and independent investigations and to strengthen security in rural areas to restore confidence and end this climate of fear.