Photo of the week-Buhumuza : MP Shabani Nimubona at the heart of a seizure of nearly 4,000 liters of gasoline

A member of parliament from Buhumuza, in eastern Burundi, is implicated in a case involving the seizure of nearly 4,000 liters of gasoline by police in Cumba village, in the district of Muyinga. The operation, confirmed by judicial sources, has sparked numerous reactions in the context of a prolonged fuel shortage and has reignited questions about equality before the law.

Search in the absence of the elected official

MP Shabani Nimubona, also known as the provincial head of the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party, is linked to a police operation conducted on February 3 in his locality.

According to witnesses, 198 jerrycans, containing approximately 3,960 liters of fuel, were seized. The search reportedly took place in the parliamentarian’s absence, under heavy security led by a senior officer. Judicial sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that an operation was indeed carried out.

Mediation attempts and tension

Residents claim that, shortly after the seizure, the elected official attempted to contact police officials to discuss the fate of the fuel. According to these sources, a heated exchange ensued between the two parties. No official authority has commented on this information.

A controversial political figure

The name of Shabani Nimubona regularly comes up in local discussions. During the 2025 elections, while he held administrative positions in Cumba, residents and some political figures accused him of exerting pressure and intimidation on individuals perceived as not aligned with the ruling party.

Several witnesses attribute to him particularly virulent remarks directed at suspected opponents. He has never publicly acknowledged these accusations.

A mixed image even within his own camp

Former Imbonerakure members from the former province of Muyinga describe an official who officially calls for combating electoral fraud, but is suspected by some of tolerating controversial practices in exchange for favors. No legal proceedings had yet been successful regarding these allegations.

A historically sensitive climate

In this small east African nation, election and pre-election periods are often accompanied by reports of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation. In 2020, human rights organizations and United Nations bodies attributed several abuses to Imbonerakure members in various provinces, including Muyinga.

Many expectations, few certainties

Since the case came to light, many residents say they are waiting to see if legal proceedings will be initiated and completed. An investigation is reportedly underway to determine the origin of the fuel and any potential liability, but no official statement has yet been released.

Some members of the public are expressing skepticism, believing that the parliamentarian has, in the past, always managed to evade accusations against him.

The small east African nation has been experiencing a fuel crisis for over five years. The shortage has recently worsened with the closure of the border with the DRC since December 10, 2025, following the fall of Uvira to the M23. The border remains closed despite the rebels’ complete withdrawal on January 18.

In several provinces, motorists still spend hours, sometimes days, in queues, while others turn to the black market at prices that have become unaffordable. For many residents of Buhumuza, the discovery of thousands of liters of fuel linked to an elected official can only fuel anger and incomprehension.

Photo of the week : MP Shabani Nimubona during a show of force by the Imbonerakure youth wing in Muyinga. Nearly 4,000 liters of gasoline were seized at his home by the police (SOS Médias Burundi)