Kayanza : a young girl suspected of killing her newborn placed in detention

SOS Médias Burundi

Kayanza, October 7, 2025 — A young girl from Kavumu village, Murima zone, Kayanza district, in Butanyerera province, northern Burundi, was arrested and hospitalized under police guard at a health center in the provincial town center.
She is suspected of killing her newborn, whom she had just given birth to on October 6.

According to information gathered on the spot, the young girl gave birth in secret before strangling the baby and hiding it in a small makeshift shelter.
Questioned by the police, she admitted the facts, stating that she wanted to hide her pregnancy from her parents, fearing their reaction. She also reportedly confided that the man who caused the pregnancy had rejected her, refusing any responsibility or marriage, which allegedly pushed her to commit the irreparable.

The Murima zone chief, Joselyne Nizigiyigama, condemned this act and urged young girls to avoid early and unprotected sexual relations.

“Even in the event of an unwanted pregnancy, the child must be kept and help sought rather than taking the life,” she insisted.

Women’s rights advocates demand justice

Local women’s rights associations are calling on the courts to punish this act as an example, while advocating for better psychological and social support for young mothers facing unwanted pregnancies.

For its part, the Kayanza prosecutor’s office has opened a case and is waiting for the suspect to recover before hearing her and then bringing her to justice. Judicial authorities also asked the police to maintain strict vigilance to prevent any escape attempts, specifying that any negligent officer would be held accountable.