The body of a man in his sixties found in the Kaniga River in Gitega raises concerns

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, March 10, 2026 — The lifeless body of 66-year-old Pascal Gahungu was discovered and recovered on Monday, March 9, 2026, from the Kaniga River near Gihehe hill, in the district and province of Gitega, central Burundi. The exact circumstances of his death remain to be determined, while the local population is expressing its concern over this latest grim discovery.

According to a witness at the scene, the victim had head injuries when he was found. The body was recovered from the river that flows through the area.

Contacted about the incident, the chief of Gihehe village, Donatien Nkunzimana, confirmed the information. He indicated that Pascal Gahungu had been missing since March 6, 2026, which had caused considerable concern among the residents.

Regarding the circumstances of the death, Donatien Nkunzimana stated that the exact causes have not yet been established, although drowning is suspected.

However, some residents of Gihehe village reject this version. They believe that the injuries observed on the victim’s head raise questions and are calling for independent investigations to determine the truth about what they consider a possible murder.

After the official examination by the Judicial Police Officer, Pascal Gahungu’s body was buried the same day, Monday, March 9, 2026. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.

Since the beginning of 2026, the province of Gitega has already recorded the discovery of about twenty bodies. In 2025, it was among the deadliest areas in the country according to the Iteka League, a Burundian human rights organization now forced to work from exile due to pressure on local associations.