Mukaza : a soldier shoots a young man dead in Sororezo

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, February 5, 2026 – A soldier assigned to guard the home of Burundian mediator Aimée Laurentine Kanyana fatally shot a young man early Thursday morning, February 5, in the Sororezo neighborhood, Nyakabiga zone, Mukaza district, in the commercial capital, Bujumbura. The suspected perpetrator was arrested shortly after the incident. Residents are demanding exemplary punishment.

An altercation that spirals out of control

According to consistent eyewitness accounts gathered at the scene, the incident stemmed from an argument the previous day in a local bar. The soldier reportedly had a violent argument with a resident. The situation calmed down afterward, however : the two men reconciled and shared a drink.

The victim targeted by mistake

In the early hours of the morning, the soldier went to the home of the person with whom he had argued. Not finding him there, he opened fire on a young man present, killing him instantly, before attempting to flee.

Residents’ anger and promises of justice

Alerted by the gunshots, local residents quickly gathered at the scene. Soldiers who arrived as reinforcements reportedly initially tried to protect their colleague, provoking the anger of the crowd. The military command eventually intervened, and the suspect was apprehended and quickly handed over to the military prosecutor’s office.

Residents are demanding justice. The local military commander assured them that the case would be dealt with quickly, while also calling for calm among the population.