Photo of the week-Ruyigi : the alarming rise in theft shakes the district

The district of Ruyigi, in Buhumuza province, eastern Burundi, has been experiencing a worrying increase in insecurity since the end of June. In recent days, the frequency and audacity of thefts have reached alarming levels.

Particularly affected neighborhoods

The areas of Karidonzi, Sanzu, Karuyigi, Gasanda, and Rukaragata, as well as the centers of Rusengo and Kayongozi, have recorded the highest number of incidents. However, residents point to a general increase of items in all seven areas of the district.

Theft of essential items and household equipment

The perpetrators are targeting all types of items :

kitchen utensils and food rations,

television sets, laptops and phones,

motorcycles,

as well as merchandise and cash from kiosks.

“They broke into my kiosk twice this month. They took everything they could : phone cards, drinks, money…,” testifies a shopkeeper in Kayongozi.
Thefts committed day and night

In the middle of the afternoon, thieves take advantage of families being away in the crop fields to force doors or enter through the back of houses.

At night, they lift corrugated iron roofs, break padlocks, or target poorly protected kiosks, especially in neighborhoods without streetlights.

The district administration promises action
The district administrator, Diane Niyibitanga, acknowledges the seriousness of the situation. She announced :

Increased patrols with the police,

the organization of night patrols in collaboration with the community.

“Security is everyone’s business. We urge the community to get actively involved,” she emphasized.

Groups of young delinquents singled out

The provincial police are referring to mobile groups of young people who are difficult to identify.

Although several arrests have been made, residents say the situation continues to deteriorate.

A social context that exacerbates insecurity

Local leaders believe this surge is fueled by :

the high cost of living,

food shortages,

the lack of economic opportunities for young people.

The community demands more protection
Residents are asking for :

regular patrols,

better responsiveness from law enforcement,

the installation of streetlights in the most vulnerable areas.

“We no longer feel safe.” “They steal our food, our phones, our motorcycles… even the kiosks are no longer spared,” laments a resident of Karuyigi.

Our photo : s group of unemployed and out-of-school youth gathered at a meeting held by the administrator to combat the rise in thefts in Ruyigi (SOS Médias Burundi)