Nyanza-Lac : Imbonerakure prevent the arrest of a suspect accused of attacking an opposition member

SOS Médias Burundi

Nyanza-Lac, May 6, 2025 – An attempt to arrest a suspected perpetrator of an attack on an opposition activist turned into a clash on Monday, May 5, in Nyanza-Lac. Youth members of the ruling party united against the police, illustrating an increasingly tense climate in this district in southern Burundi.

Tension escalated Monday, May 5, on Kabo village, in the Muyange zone, Nyanza-Lac district. Imbonerakure, members of the youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, fiercely opposed the arrest of Benjamin Niyoyankunze, identified as the prime suspect in a violent attack against an opposition activist.

According to witnesses, the police intervention followed an assault that occurred during the night of Friday, May 2, to Saturday, May 3. Jonas Niyomwungere, a Sahwanya-FRODEBU activist and active member of the Burundi bwa Bose opposition coalition, was attacked with clubs and stones. Seriously injured, he was left for dead, according to his relatives. “He almost had his limb amputated,” one of them said.

However, the suspect’s arrest met with stiff resistance. Dozens of Imbonerakure reportedly surrounded the police, shouting conspiracy and attempting to physically prevent the arrest. “The police were almost disarmed.” “They had to retreat to avoid a bloodbath,” confided a resident of the Muyange zone.

Potential climate and impunity

In this region bordering Lake Tanganyika, tensions between pro-government activists and opposition supporters are recurrent, but rarely so explosive. Several residents denounce a permanent climate of fear. “The youth of the ruling party believe they are above the law. When the police themselves withdraw, what can an ordinary citizen do?” wonders a local elder.

The Burundi bwa Bose coalition is crying foul. “This is not a simple incident, it is a serious signal. We are witnessing a political militarization of the civilian space, and this is jeopardizing social peace,” declared one of their representatives, who called on the international community to “monitor the situation closely.”

So far, no official reaction has been made by provincial authorities in Makamba or national authorities. Jonas Niyomwungere’s health also remains unknown.

——

Former CNDD-FDD and Imbonerakure fighters at a military parade in Cibitoke (SOS Médias Burundi)