Burundi : controversial arrest of Father Paul Butoyi, parish priest of Mutumba
SOS Médias Burundi
Rumonge, June 15, 2025 – The arrest of Father Paul Butoyi, parish priest of the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Mutumba (archdiocese of Bujumbura), has sparked strong reactions among the Burundian population. The priest was arrested on Sunday morning, June 15, by agents of the National Intelligence Service (SNR), while he was at the Gitaza branch in Muhuta district, Rumonge province (southwest of the country).
According to local sources, he is accused of having criticized the recent legislative and district elections of June 5, 2025, during his Sunday homily.
However, several voices are speaking out against the arrest, which they deem arbitrary. “In an audio recording widely shared in Burundian WhatsApp groups, Father Butoyi doesn’t talk about the elections. Instead, he castigates the ethnic divisions within the Burundian society, which he calls ‘shit,'” confided a member of his parish on condition of anonymity.
Known for his outspokenness and forthright stances, Father Butoyi is a clerical figure who leaves no one indifferent.
According to several concordant sources, the clergyman has been transferred to the SNR headquarters in Bujumbura, the country’s commercial capital. At this stage, neither the Burundian authorities nor the Catholic Church have officially responded to this arrest.
You might also like
Burundi : launch of voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees, several areas of South Kivu excluded
SOS Médias Burundi Muyinga, March 13, 2026 — The government of Burundi, in collaboration with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations High Commissioner for
Rumonge : concern after two cases of sexual violence against minors in Buruhukiro
SOS Médias Burundi Rumonge, May 20, 2026 — Parents and child rights advocates in the district of Rumonge, in Burunga province in southwestern Burundi, are expressing grave concern over the
Rugombo : a man beheaded, a murder that raises questions
The body of a man in his thirties was found on Saturday morning, March 29, on the 9th avenue of Rusiga village, Rugombo district, near the provincial office and the