Rugombo : vulnerable families denounce irregularities in land allocation

SOS Médias Burundi

Cibitoke, May 4, 2026 — Residents of the Rugombo zone in Cibitoke district (Bujumbura-West province) are denouncing alleged irregularities in the process of registering and allocating land plots intended for vulnerable families, particularly within the Batwa community.

According to several testimonies gathered on site, some families believe the process has been tainted by favoritism and nepotism, with the inclusion of ineligible individuals on the beneficiaries’ lists, sometimes in exchange for bribes or political connections.

Local sources indicate that young people affiliated with the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, the Imbonerakure, are allegedly involved in the process, a situation that is sparking protests among some residents. Tensions escalated a few days ago following protests related to the exclusion of certain families from the beneficiary lists.

The situation sparked unrest locally, with residents expressing their discontent in front of the Rugombo zone office, demanding their reinstatement. Police intervened to restore calm.

Faced with these accusations, the local administration denies any political involvement. Rugombo zone chief Selemani Sibomana asserts that no partisan influence guided the process and explains that the population misunderstood the nature of the operation, which, according to him, aims to identify and assist the indigent.

The Batwa are an indigenous and marginalized ethnic minority in Burundi, facing serious problems of poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to land and education. SOS Médias Burundi reported that many Batwa families live in extreme poverty : children dropping out of school, mothers turning to precarious work. Despite some constitutional representation, many feel their interests are not being defended, and their social and economic isolation remains a major concern.