Cibitoke : a 53-year-old farmer shot dead by soldiers near the border with the DRC

SOS Médias Burundi

Cibitoke, January 11, 2026 – A 53-year-old farmer was shot dead by Burundian soldiers while on his way to his rice field located along the Rusizi River, which separates the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi, in the district of Cibitoke, Bujumbura province, in western Burundi. The tragedy occurred on Saturday, January 10, around 6:00 p.m., the day after a directive strictly prohibiting any approach to the Burundi-DRC border.

A fatal shot on the banks of the Rusizi River

The incident took place in the Rugombo zone, Cibitoke district, Bujumbura province, not far from the Mparambo military post (Projet). According to information gathered on site, the victim, a 53-year-old resident of the Mparambo neighborhood, was on his way to his rice paddy located on the banks of the Rusizi River. He was accompanied by another man who had come to help him tend the rice field.

Around 6:00 p.m., the two men encountered a military patrol monitoring the Burundi-Congo border. The soldiers ordered them to stop. Panicked, the landowner tried to flee. The soldiers then opened fire, hitting him with several bullets, including five in the back and others in the ribs. He died instantly.

One survivor apprehended, a community in shock

The man who was with the victim immediately froze. He was apprehended by the soldiers and then forced to reveal their starting point. The local residents unanimously assert that the victim had no intention other than to go to his field to work. He was neither armed nor involved in any illegal activity.

The brutal death of this farmer has sparked outrage among the local population, who denounce the disproportionate use of force against an unarmed civilian.

The authorities cite strict security orders.

In their initial statements, the police and military authorities indicated that the victim had not crossed the border into the DRC. He was reportedly killed after panicking during the arrest. Military officials justified the intervention by citing strict security orders : anyone found in the immediate vicinity of the Rusizi River was to be arrested, and any attempt to flee could result in the use of force.

This directive had been announced the previous day at a security meeting held in Buganda, Bukinanyana district, Bujumbura province, by the provincial governor, in the presence of officials from the defense and security and representatives of religious denominations.

Security context on the DRC–Burundi border

For several months, the border between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly along the Rusizi River, has been under high surveillance due to the persistent deterioration of the security situation in eastern DRC. Fighting between the Congolese army (FARDC), supported by local Wazalendo militias and Burundian troops, and the M23 rebels, part of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), has led to a massive influx of Congolese refugees into Burundi.

Faced with the risks of infiltration by armed groups, cross-border trafficking, and uncontrolled population movements, Burundian authorities have reinforced military and police patrols along the border. Strict orders have been issued, prohibiting any unauthorized approach to the Rusizi River, considered a highly sensitive security area.

The family demands justice

The victim’s family denounces the “unjustified” murder and demands justice and reparations for the harm suffered.

For his part, the administrator of the Cibitoke district affirms that local authorities will support the bereaved family, particularly in organizing a dignified funeral.

Regarding the soldiers involved in the shooting, their superiors indicate that the case will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities so that responsibilities can be established in accordance with the law.