Tensions in Gishubi : three deaths under disturbing circumstances in January

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, January 20, 2026 — The district of Gishubi, in Gitega province, central Burundi, has been shaken by a series of deaths in just a few weeks. While local authorities are mostly citing suicide as the cause, these accounts are widely contested by the affected population, who are demanding independent investigations.

The latest case dates back to Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with the discovery of the lifeless body of 53-year-old Gérard Nyambuga. The victim was found hanged with a rope under an avocado tree in Mahonda village, in the district of Gishubi.

According to Protais Nteturuye, chief of Mahonda village, the exact circumstances of the death have not yet been established, but suicide is, at this stage, the most likely explanation. He specifies that no suspect has been arrested and that investigations are ongoing.

This version, however, is rejected by several residents of Mahonda village, who mention a land dispute involving the victim. According to them, a legal case is still pending before the courts, fueling suspicions of homicide.

A few days earlier, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, another body was discovered in Muyange village. It is that of Dieudonné Nimenya, 29 years old, found hanged under a tree.
Joël Gacumi, chief of Muyange village, indicates that the motives for the death are not yet known, while also mentioning the possibility of suicide. He specifies that the victim suffered from mental health issues and regularly made statements suggesting that he no longer wanted to live.

Here again, some of the local population rejects this hypothesis. Residents believe Dieudonné Nimenya was killed before his body was placed where it was found and are demanding an independent investigation to identify those responsible.

A third case has further heightened local concerns. On Friday, January 9, 2026, the lifeless body of 45-year-old Elias Biyandaza was recovered from the Ruvyironza River, near Bubaji village, also in the Gishubi district.

According to Benoît Sakubu, the Bubaji village chief, the victim had been missing since Sunday, January 4, 2026, and his body was already in an advanced state of decomposition when it was discovered. Here too, local authorities are suggesting suicide.

This version is strongly contested by the residents of Bubaji village, who believe the victim was killed before being thrown into the river. They are calling for thorough and independent investigations. Elias Biyandaza’s body was buried the same day it was discovered.

Faced with this series of deaths under controversial circumstances, the residents of the Mahonda, Muyange, and Bubaji villages are expressing their deep concern and demanding that the judicial authorities shed full light on these cases so that responsibility can be established and any perpetrators brought to justice.