Ruziba : nighttime violence attributed to Imbonerakure raises concerns among residents

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, April 9, 2026 — In several neighborhoods of the commercial capital of the small East African nation, residents are denouncing a rise in nighttime violence and abuses attributed to youths affiliated with the ruling party. In Ruziba, in the Kanyosha zone of ​​Mugere district, south of Bujumbura, testimonies report acts of extortion, intimidation, and beatings, in a security climate deemed worrying.

Extortion and nighttime violence denounced

Residents claim that members of the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the CNDD-FDD, are involved in informal nighttime checks, primarily in the early morning hours.

According to several eyewitness accounts gathered on site, these young men, sometimes wearing black jackets resembling those worn by law enforcement, are attacking passersby.

“People who go to the Ruziba market starting at 4:00 a.m. are the most targeted. They have to show everything they own. Otherwise, they pay money or are beaten,” testifies a resident.

These young men justify their actions by claiming they are conducting searches for weapons, as part of efforts to secure the area.

Residents denounce the lack of response.

Residents say they have alerted local authorities and security officials, but have not seen any concrete action taken. They believe this situation directly affects their daily lives and hinders the neighborhood’s economic activity, particularly early morning business.

When contacted about this, the head of the Ruziba neighborhood, Roger Habonimana, denied the existence of organized night patrols. He stated that security is ensured by the “quadrilogy” system, without providing further details.

The quadrilogy, an official security mechanism

In Burundi, the “quadrilogy” refers to a security governance framework comprising four pillars :

administration

justice

defense (army)

security (police)

This mechanism is intended to facilitate coordination among authorities in assessing the security situation and protecting the population.

However, in practice, several local sources believe that these structures may include members of the Imbonerakure and former CNDD-FDD combatants, thus blurring the lines between state apparatus and political actors.

A league at the heart of persistent controversies

The Imbonerakure, the youth league of the CNDD-FDD, are regularly cited by human rights organizations in cases of intimidation and violence targeting opponents or civilians.

According to the Iteka League, a Burundian human rights organization, these young people are implicated in 110 of more than 400 people killed in 2025.

The organization, known for its work documenting human rights violations, regularly publishes reports on attacks on life, arbitrary arrests, and political violence in the country, despite a context of severe restrictions on civic space.

In 2015, amidst the crisis surrounding Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial third term, the United Nations labeled the Imbonerakure a militia and a tool of repression.

An acknowledged political support

Despite this criticism, Burundian authorities continue to defend the league’s role. In August 2023, President Évariste Ndayishimiye praised their involvement in securing the country :

“Burundi is protected because we have the Imbonerakure. Anyone who doesn’t believe this should come and violate our borders. They will be disillusioned,” he declared.

He also encouraged the continuation of night patrols, dismissing criticism as being influenced from outside sources since the 2015 crisis.

A population caught between fear and anxiety

In Ruziba, many residents say they live in fear and are calling for government intervention. They denounce repeated abuses and a situation that, according to them, jeopardizes the security and stability of the neighborhood.

Between official security mechanisms, controversial local practices, and recurring accusations of violence, the situation continues to generate tension and anxiety among the population.