Burundi : two gruesome discoveries reignite fears of a climate of impunity

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, March 4, 2026 – Two deaths this week in the districts of Bugendana, Gitega province (central Burundi), and Matana, Burunga province (southern Burundi), have sparked concern and questions among local residents.

The first case involves Luc Nsambayiruka, 77 years old and father of eleven, who was found dead on March 3, 2026, in a ditch in Kivuvu village, Bugendana district, Gitega province.
The village chief, Jacques Mbayahaga, confirmed the discovery of the body but emphasized that the exact circumstances of the death remain to be established. According to him, the victim may have fallen after taking a large quantity of alcohol. No suspects have been apprehended to date. The body was transferred to Mutoyi Hospital and buried on March 4, 2026.

On March 2, 2026, another body was found in the Ruvyironza River, near Mahwa village, Matana district, Burunga Province. It was that of 17-year-old Shabani Rivuzimana, who had been missing since February 19, 2026. Village chief Cassien Ngendakumana indicated that the young man had drowned while herding cattle.

These two incidents are part of a worrying security situation. Since the beginning of 2026, Gitega Province has already recorded the discovery of about twenty bodies. In 2025, it was among the deadliest areas in the country, according to the Iteka League, a human rights organization now forced to work from exile due to pressure on local associations.

Last weekend, three more people were killed in the communes of Gishubi and Gitega. Among them were a newborn baby found on Rukiga Hill, a 44-year-old man on Mugutu Hill, and a 70-year-old watchman beaten to death with a club during a robbery. These tragedies reinforce the feeling of a persistent climate of impunity, where crimes often go unsolved.

Residents of Kivuvu and Mahwa villages are demanding independent and transparent investigations to shed light on the events and establish any potential responsibility.