Worrying disappearance in Bujumbura : a World Vision driver missing, his family worried

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, February 24, 2026 – Gabriel Ndikumana, a driver for the NGO World Vision in the Cankuzo region of Buhumuza province in eastern Burundi, has been missing since Monday, February 23. His company vehicle was found parked in front of the hotel where he was staying in the commercial capital, but no trace of him has been found.

A mysterious outing

On Monday evening, Gabriel Ndikumana went out for dinner and never returned. His phones remain switched off, plunging his family and colleagues into anguish. “We don’t know what could have happened to him. It’s worrying and unacceptable,” they say, fearing abduction or a deliberately orchestrated disappearance.

Family and colleagues on high alert

With no known dispute or political affiliation, his disappearance raises numerous questions. Similar cases have already been reported in the country, fueling his family’s fears. His relatives are making an urgent appeal : anyone with information must come forward, and if Gabriel is being held somewhere, he must be released safe and sound immediately.

A spokesperson for the Burundi National Police (PNB) was unavailable to comment on the disappearance at the time of publication, leaving his family in uncertainty and fear.

World Vision in Burundi : protecting the most vulnerable

World Vision is an international humanitarian organization that works to protect children and support vulnerable communities. In Burundi, it works in the areas of education, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, as well as community and agricultural development. The disappearance of one of its staff members raises concerns about the safety of humanitarian personnel in the country.