Rumonge : 14 youths arrested for an alleged plot against the chief of Mwange village

SOS Médias Burundi

Rumonge, October 28, 2025 — Fourteen young people affiliated with the ruling CNDD-FDD party, the Imbonerakure, but known locally as abasatirizi, were arrested on Thursday, October 24, 2025, in Mwange village, Kizuka zone, Rumonge district, Burunga province, in southern Burundi. According to local sources, they are prosecuted for alleged conspiracy against the chief of this village.

The suspects reportedly shared an audio message, the contents of which have not yet been revealed. According to the police, this communication is central to the investigation. The fourteen young people were taken to the Rumonge provincial police station’s holding cells for questioning.

Witnesses also report that the arrested youths are opposed to the recently elected village chief, following the village elections of August 25, 2025. His election had sparked local tensions : the Rumonge Independent District Electoral Commission (CECI) had attempted to invalidate his election before he garnered widespread popular support. Men, women, and elders had staged a sit-in in front of the Rumonge prosecutor’s office during his previous arrest for alleged infidelity, demanding his release. The prosecutor’s office ultimately yielded to public pressure, allowing his release and official inauguration after the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced the results.

Investigations are continuing at the prosecutor’s office in Rumonge to determine the exact nature of the message exchanged and the extent of the alleged plot, according to a police official who requested anonymity. Some residents of Mwange village say they are eagerly awaiting developments in this case.