Bubanza : five Imbonerakure, including four brothers, sentenced to a life jail for the murder of a five-year-old

SOS Médias Burundi

Bubanza, September 17, 2025 — The First Instance Court of Bubanza, in Bujumbura province in western Burundi, on Wednesday sentenced Daniel Murihano and his four sons, all members of the Imbonerakure, as well as a fifth defendant, also a member of the CNDD-FDD youth league, to a life jail. They were found guilty of the murder of Thérence Bimenyimana, a teacher, and the attempted murder of his brother Joseph Ntezicimpa, which occurred on September 7 in Karinzi village.

According to the testimonies, Thérence and Joseph were returning home when they crossed the accused in the company of a young girl. To protect the latter, Thérence would have invited him to stay with her. Soon after, he was fatally attacked, while his brother Joseph was seriously injured. Karinzi village is sadly known for targeted killings : five cases have been recorded in less than six months, according to residents.

Trial and verdict

During the hearing, the defendants pleaded not guilty, unaccompanied by a lawyer. The deputy prosecutor had sought a life imprisonment, and the civil party sought 100 million Burundi francs in damages and interest, plus 15 million for funeral expenses.

The court followed the requisition : the six defendants avoid life imprisonment and will each have to pay 36 million Burundi francs to the families of the victims.

The family, who have not yet buried Thérence, say they are satisfied with the verdict, believing that justice has finally been served.

The Imbonerakure, described as a militia by the United Nations, are regularly cited in cases of human rights violations in Burundi, especially murders and abductions. The Burundian government and ruling party officials say the allegations are aimed at tarnishing their image and that of the country.