Rugombo : a man killed by gunmen

The body of Phenias Nteziryayo was found on Saturday morning.
This forty-year-old from the locality of Mparambo II, in the district of Rugombo in the province of Cibitoke (northwest Burundi) was murdered by unknown assailants. But local residents suspect the Imbonerakure (members of the CNDD-FDD youth league) who patrol, with arms during the night. The police and the administration say that an investigation has been launched.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to witnesses of the macabre discovery, Phenias Nteziryayo received two bullets in the chest. The victim was attacked while he was returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in possession of an as yet undetermined quantity of fuel and loincloths. The attack took place not far from the Rusizi River separating the DRC and Burundi.

According to a security source who spoke on condition of anonymity, only the Imbonerakure can be suspected. “They are the only masters of the night who move around at night, patrolling the region while armed”.

Administration and police authorities in Rugombo confirmed the death of Phenias Nteziryayo. They say they have launched an investigation. But they reject allegations that young people affiliated with the ruling party carry weapons during night patrols, explaining that “only law enforcement officers are authorized to carry weapons”. “The people who spread this information want to sully the image of the Imbonerakure and create divisions within the community”, they defended themselves.

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Illustration photo : a crowd at a macabre discovery site in Rugombo, March 3, 2024 (SOS Médias Burundi)