Rumonge: Man arrested for alleged rape of a Minor

SOS Médias Burundi

Rumonge, April 14, 2025 — A 28-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in the Rumonge’s Swahili neighborhood (southwestern Burundi), over accusation of rape of a 16-year-old girl.

The incident reportedly took place at the suspect’s home in the same neighborhood. Details about the incident are not yet known, but an investigation has been opened by the police to determine who is responsible.

The victim was taken to the Humura Center in Mutambara, a facility specializing in the care of survivors of sexual violence. She is currently receiving medical and psychological support.

The suspect, meanwhile, was detained in the cell of the Rumonge provincial police station pending legal proceedings.

Sexual violence against minors, a persistent scourge in Burundi

Cases of sexual abuse against minors are steadily increasing in Burundi, according to several reports from local and international NGOs. In 2024, more than 1,500 cases of rape of children and adolescents were reported across the country, a figure considered underestimated due to the silence and fear surrounding this type of crime.

The victims are often young girls, sometimes under the age of 10, and the perpetrators are frequently relatives, neighbors, or authority figures. The lack of judicial oversight, social pressure, and stigma still discourage many families from filing complaints.

Structures such as the Humura Center in Mutambara play an essential role in welcoming and supporting survivors, but their capacity remains limited given the scale of the problem.

Human rights defenders call for strengthening prevention mechanisms, better training for justice officials, and ensuring effective protection for victims.