Bubanza : Imbonerakure accused of assaulting citizens and extorting money from them

SOS Médias Burundi

Bubanza, September 22, 2026—Imbonerakure, members of the youth wing of the CNDD-FDD party, are accused of assaulting several citizens in downtown Bubanza, in Bujumbura province, western Burundi. In less than two weeks, four people have been victims of violence, according to several testimonies gathered locally.

Among them is a motorcyclist who was violently beaten on Friday, September 18. His condition required hospitalization, according to witnesses. A retiree, another motorcycle or vehicle driver, and a tout were also among those assaulted.

The incidents occurred both during the day and in the evening, according to testimonies. The victims were notably beaten with sticks. In some cases, people have given money to their alleged attackers to prevent further violence.

Two young men named

The testimonies gathered specifically mention Amos Tuyininahaze and Philbert. Amos Tuyininahaze is described locally as the head of the Imbonerakure in downtown Bubanza.

During a meeting organized by the local administration on Friday, September 18, former members of the Imbonerakure denounced Amos Tuyininahaze’s behavior, which they described as “dangerous.” Residents also spoke out, denouncing what they considered to be mistreatment, inhumane, and degrading.

They asked the local CNDD-FDD leader to intervene and take action against the young men involved.

Local officials condemn

The village chief of Bubanza Centre condemned the reported violence. The local CNDD-FDD official also disapproved of the actions attributed to certain young people affiliated with the party.

According to this official, those responsible for such acts should not consider themselves members of the CNDD-FDD and must understand that such behavior is unacceptable.

An Imbonerakure official contacted in Bubanza was unavailable for comment on the accusations.

A regularly contested security role

The Imbonerakure are the youth wing of the CNDD-FDD, the former Hutu rebellion that became the ruling party in Burundi in 2005, following the peace process initiated by the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Burundi.

They are regularly cited in reports of human rights violations, particularly for accusations of violence, intimidation, and other abuses of fundamental rights. The Burundian government and officials of the ruling party reject these accusations and denounce what they consider attempts to tarnish the image of youth affiliated with the CNDD-FDD.

Meanwhile, high-ranking Burundian authorities acknowledge the role of the party’s youth in certain security activities. President Évariste Ndayishimiye, in particular, acknowledges their participation in night patrols alongside the police and in border security operations alongside the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB).

This involvement in security regularly raises questions about the framework of their interventions and their responsibility when they are accused of violence against civilians.

Residents demand action

In Bubanza, the accusations are causing concern among some residents of the city center, especially those who do not identify with the ruling party. They are demanding that the facts be investigated and that those found responsible be held accountable for their actions according to the law.

Testimonies gathered indicate four victims in less than two weeks. The precise circumstances of the attacks and the involvement of the individuals named still need to be established.

SOS Médias Burundi was unable to obtain a reaction from Amos Tuyininahaze or Philbert. At this stage, the accusations against them remain to be verified by an investigation and, if necessary, by the judicial authorities.