Gitega: a man seriously injured by Imbonerakure

On the night of January 3, Richard Niyongabire was found in a small bush following an epileptic seizure. He was seriously beaten up by a group of five Imbonerakure (members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD party) led by Protais Gacurabuhoro, director of Ecofo (basic school) in Birohe (at the same time chief of the Imbonerakure in this locality. The incident took place around 9 p.m. in Birohe in the district and province of Gitega (central Burundi).The village chief of Birohe reported that perpetrators of the crime agreed to pay the bill for the care of the victim. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to witnesses, the victim received several stab wounds inflicted on him by Imbonerakure on night patrol.

“Niyongabire has injuries on his arms after this despicable act. He was thrown into the bush not far from the Polytechnic University of Gitega”, said a witness.

Richard Niyongabire was admitted to the Gitega regional hospital for treatment.

His relatives denounce the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of the attack.

“They are free and circulate without being worried while we have filed a complaint with the judicial police of Gitega”, revolts a relative of the victim who testified on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Imbonerakure leader Protais Gacurabuhoro explained that “Richard Niyongabire was caught in possession of a mattress stolen from a household located in Birohe village”. He made a point of specifying that the victim had a large knife on her. Which knife was handed over to the police.

The village chief of Birohe, Innocent Hatungimana, did not want to give details on this case. However, he indicated that “the perpetrators of the crime have agreed to pay the victim’s hospitalization bill”.