Burunga : a fisherman killed by hippopotamus on the shores of Lake Tanganyika

SOS Médias Burundi

Rumonge, September 7, 2025 – A tragedy occurred on the shores of Lake Tanganyika during the night from Saturday to Sunday. The lifeless body of a fisherman was discovered in the early morning of September 7, not far from the fishing port of Busambi, located in the Gatete zone, Rumonge district, Burunga province, in southern Burundi.

A fatal nighttime attack

According to witnesses gathered on the scene, the victim, originally from Minani, was aboard his boat when a hippopotamus violently rammed his boat during the night. The man was reportedly thrown into the water before disappearing. His body was found at dawn, washed up on the shore of the lake, a few meters from the port.

The exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear, but for fishermen in the region, there is no doubt that the animal was the cause of death. The authorities have been alerted, and an investigation has been opened.

A series of worrying attacks

This latest incident revives concerns about the increasing number of hippopotamus attacks in this part of Lake Tanganyika. Several fishermen in Busambi say that at least a dozen of their colleagues have died in similar circumstances in recent years.

“This is not an isolated case. We risk our lives every time we go out on the lake,” said a visibly moved fisherman. Industry professionals are calling for concrete measures to make their fishing safer, without harming wildlife.

A call for caution

In response to this latest tragedy, the province’s administration and environmental authorities are calling on the public, and fishermen in particular, to exercise caution. They serve as a reminder that hippos are territorial and unpredictable animals, likely to attack when threatened or disturbed, especially at night.

“We recommend that fishermen avoid areas known to harbor these animals, especially during the breeding season when they are even more aggressive,” said a local environmental protection official.

Towards a safe coexistence?

Between the need to preserve lake ecosystems and ensure the safety of local residents, the situation raises complex issues. Calls are being raised for the establishment of safe fishing zones, awareness campaigns, and enhanced surveillance to prevent future tragedies.

Until lasting solutions are found, the fishermen of Rumonge will continue to brave the waters of Tanganyika, with the growing fear of a fatal encounter with one of its silent giants.