Kirundo : growing insecurity, city center residents live in fear

SOS Médias Burundi

Kirundo, May 29 — A wave of insecurity is hitting central neighborhoods of the city of Kirundo in northern Burundi. During the night of May 28-29, several homes were attacked by individuals armed with clubs and bladed weapons. Panic has gripped residents, who denounce the inaction of law enforcement in the face of an increasingly worrying situation.

At least three homes were targeted. Two intrusion attempts were narrowly repelled by residents, while a third home was robbed of several belongings. According to witnesses, Imbonerakure, members of the CNDD-FDD party’s youth league, were seen among the assailants in two of the attacks. This accusation is fueling concern and anger among the population.

“We feel like thieves are protected. Even when they’re arrested, they’re released without prosecution. There’s no justice,” laments a city center resident.

Responses deemed insufficient

Faced with the outcry, the Kirundo district administrator called for vigilance. He urges residents to report any suspicious activity, systematically register visitors, and install night lights around fences to prevent nighttime intrusions.

But these measures are considered insignificant by residents, who are demanding a real security strategy and clear sanctions against the perpetrators of these acts.

“Asking us to buy lights won’t solve the problem of insecurity. We want effective patrols, serious investigations, and, above all, for no one to be above the law,” insists a mother.

As fear sets in across the community, calls are growing for the state to guarantee everyone’s safety, without political discrimination or favoritism. In Kirundo, every nightfall becomes a source of anxiety.