Cibitoke : a woman and a child found dead while trying to cross into the DRC

SOS Médias Burundi

Cibitoke, March 7, 2026 – The lifeless bodies of a woman and a child of about seven years old were discovered Friday afternoon on the banks of the Rusizi River, in the Rugombo zone of ​​Cibitoke district, Bujumbura province, western Burundi. According to police sources, the victims were Congolese nationals attempting to cross the river to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The two bodies were spotted around 3:00 PM by fishermen near Rubenga, in Mparambo village, in the Rugombo zone. Witnesses immediately alerted local authorities.

According to police sources, initial reports indicate that the woman and the child were part of a group of Congolese nationals attempting to cross the Rusizi River to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo. They were reportedly swept away by the current during the crossing.

The Rusizi River forms part of the natural border between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In recent days, several Congolese nationals living in the Rugombo zone have been trying to return to their country, particularly to the Luvungi groupment in the Uvira territory, believing that the security situation there has improved somewhat.

Clandestine and risky crossings

A Congolese national still in the area claims that many people are disappearing while trying to cross the Rusizi River between Rugombo and Nyamitanga.

“For several days now, we have been losing loved ones trying to cross the Rusizi River between Rugombo and Nyamitanga.” “Many people disappear because they cross in secret,” he confides.

Another refugee explains that hunger drives some to take these risks.

“We have almost nothing to eat here. Some prefer to go home despite the hardships,” he says.

Suspicions of attacks during crossings

Some refugees also mention fears related to insecurity during these clandestine crossings.

“We suspect that some people who help cross the river attack passengers when they notice they have valuables in order to rob them,” says another Congolese man.

Authorities urge caution

The two bodies were buried on site on the orders of the administrative authorities, as the victims could not be identified. The burial took place in a plantation located near where the bodies were discovered.

The local administration of Rugombo, accompanied by the police and members of the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party, reports that the victims’ identities have not yet been established.

Administrative and security authorities are also urging Congolese nationals not to attempt to cross the Rusizi River clandestinely, reminding them of significant dangers involved.

Since the beginning of 2026, the province of Bujumbura has already recorded the discovery of some thirty bodies. Last year, it was among the deadliest provinces in the small east African nation, according to a report by the Iteka League, a pioneering human rights organization now forced to operate from exile.