Gitega : a corpse recovered from the Ruvyironza River, a pupil found dead in Mubuga, insecurity raises concerns

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, February 14, 2026 — The province in the heart of the small east African nation has once again been struck by bloody events that have reignited fear among its inhabitants.

An unidentified body discovered at the foot of Bwoga hill

The lifeless body of a man in his thirties was discovered Thursday on the banks of the Ruvyironza River, at the foot of Bwoga hill.

According to a witness, the body was spotted by local residents before the administrative authorities were alerted. The village chief, Fiacre Ndagijimana, confirmed the information, specifying that the victim’s identity could not be established. The body was buried the same day near where it was found.

According to local authorities, the body was in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting drowning. However, this hypothesis is disputed by some residents. They believe the victim was killed elsewhere before being thrown into the river to cover up the crime. They are calling for an independent investigation to identify those responsible.

A teenager found murdered in Mubuga

Another tragedy struck the community on Saturday, February 14th.

The body of 16-year-old Cécile Ndayishimiye, a seventh-grade pupil at Mubuga II Primary School, was found under a eucalyptus tree in a cornfield in Mubuga village.

Witnesses reported that the teenager was sexually assaulted before being tied up and killed. Two bottles of a prohibited beverage known as “Soma Rwahiye” were reportedly found near the body.

The chief of Mubuga village, Emmanuel Misigaro, confirmed the crime. According to him, the young girl had been missing since the previous day, Friday, after going to visit a classmate who lived in the same village. Her body was transferred to a health facility.

No suspects have yet been arrested, according to the administrative authority, which stated that an investigation is underway.

Fear grips the residents

Shocked by these events, many residents are demanding that the perpetrators of these crimes be quickly apprehended and brought to justice.

Last year, Gitega province was ranked by the Iteka League, a pioneering human rights organization in the country now forced to work from exile, among the deadliest provinces in Burundi.