Cibitoke – Mutilated Body Found in Kibira Forest: Locals Demand Justice

SOS Médias Burundi

Cibitoke, June 23, 2025 — A lifeless body, brutally mutilated, was found Sunday morning on the edge of Kibira forest, at the border between the communes of Bukinanyana (Cibitoke province) and Kabarore (Kayanza province). The victim, an unidentified man, was tied to a tree, his body in an advanced state of decomposition. This macabre discovery raises fears of a settling of scores linked to illegal gold mining in this unstable area. An investigation has been opened.

According to a security source, forest surveillance agents made the discovery early in the morning. “The body was tied up and had deep wounds on the chest and sides, caused by a sharp weapon. It had already begun decomposing,” the source said anonymously.

Several local officials confirmed that alerts had been issued for several days regarding the presence of armed individuals operating clandestinely in this part of the forest. They are suspected of illegally mining gold and are believed to be linked to the Rwandan rebel group FLN (National Liberation Front), active in the region.

Various hypotheses circulate. According to sources close to the administration, the victim may have been caught in possession of gold and summarily executed by soldiers or armed elements operating in the area. “It would not be the first time a body has been found under such circumstances,” said a resident of the Ndora area.

Amid the emotional impact of this discovery, the Bukinanyana administrator confirmed the information. Due to the state of the body, burial was quickly decided after examination by the competent authorities. “He was unrecognizable. To avoid any health risk, we proceeded with the burial,” he stated.

Residents are demanding thorough investigations to shed full light on what they call a “barbaric” case. The communal administration announced the establishment of collaboration with Kabarore’s administration and judicial police services.

“We cannot tolerate Kibira forest becoming a lawless zone,” stressed the administrator, calling for strengthened security and vigilance among the population.