Burundi : more than 180 victims of human rights violations including more than 110 homicides in three months, according to the Iteka League

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, April 19, 2026 —The Iteka Human Rights League has presented an alarming assessment of the human rights situation in Burundi during the first quarter of 2026, with at least 182 people victims of various violations, including 111 cases of murder.

In its report, the country’s oldest human rights organization points to a marked deterioration in the situation. “At least 111 people were killed, including 60 bodies recovered. Of the victims, 86 are men and 25 are women. Besides, 40 cases of gender-based violence were recorded, including 30 rapes of minors,” the document states.

The Iteka League also reports 8 victims of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, 14 people abducted or reported missing, as well as 9 arbitrary arrests. In total, 182 cases of human rights violations were documented over the period.

According to the organization, the majority of victims would be from the political opposition or voices critical of power. However, it notes that members of the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, are also among the victims : “six members of the CNDD-FDD were killed, two abducted, eight victims of gender-based violence and three tortured,” the report states.

The Iteka League also points to responsibilities attributed to members of the Imbonerakure, the CNDD-FDD youth league, administrative agents, elements of the National Intelligence Service (SNR) as well as police officers, often cited as the main alleged perpetrators of the documented rapes and murders. The report also mentions cases related to acts of popular justice or settlements of accounts.

For the president of the Iteka League, Anschaire Nikoyagize, this situation reflects a deep crisis of governance. It evokes a justice “instrumented, double-speed and in the service of repression”. He warns of a possible worsening of the situation if nothing is done, estimating that the year 2026 could be even deadlier than the previous ones.

Gitega at the top of violence

The report places Gitega province, located in the center of the country and home to the political capital, at the top of the worst-affected areas with 37 homicides in three months, followed by Bujumbura, located in the west of the country and home to the commercial capital, with 30 cases.

The provinces of Burunga (south), Buhumuza (east) and Butanyerera (north) recorded 18, 14 and 12 cases of murder respectively. The Iteka League also points out that Bujumbura is at the forefront of cases of abductions and enforced disappearances.

The organization deplores the low rate of open investigations into these serious violations, believing that impunity remains largely prevalent.

Calls for independent investigations

The Iteka League urges Burundian authorities to ensure respect for fundamental rights, particularly the right to life, physical integrity and liberty. It also called for independent investigations and concrete measures to end impunity.

“It is urgent to take impunity seriously and ensure that perpetrators of human rights violations are held accountable for their actions,” the organization insists.

The Iteka Human Rights League, a pioneer of human rights organizations in the small East African nation, has been operating from exile since the 2015 crisis, triggered by the late President Pierre Nkurunziza’s contentious third term.

The Burundian authorities do not recognize the reports of the Iteka League, which they describe among the organizations called “enemies of the nation”, accused of being at the service of the former colonialists.