Rumonge : concern after two cases of sexual violence against minors in Buruhukiro

SOS Médias Burundi

Rumonge, May 20, 2026 — Parents and child rights advocates in the district of Rumonge, in Burunga province in southwestern Burundi, are expressing grave concern over the resurgence of sexual violence against minors in the Buruhukiro zone. Two separate cases have been recorded in less than two weeks in the Karagara and Muhanda villages, since May 6, 2026.

According to local sources, the two victims had been sent by their parents to local shops to make purchases when the incidents occurred.

A recent case in Karagara village

The most recent case dates back to May 15, 2026, in Karagara village. The alleged perpetrator is a man in his sixties who owns a shop in the area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the child went into the shop to buy some items before being sexually assaulted.

Passersby, alerted by the victim’s cries for help, quickly intervened before calling the police. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Buruhukiro police station, pending his transfer to the police station in Rumonge.

First case recorded on May 6

The first case reported this month dates back to May 6, 2026, in Muhanda village. Another minor was the victim of sexual violence.

According to police sources, the alleged perpetrator is also a minor. He was arrested and then transferred on May 8 to the Rumonge provincial police station.

Victim support and reactions

The two victims were treated at the Buruhukiro health center.

Faced with this situation, child rights advocates are denouncing a worrying increase in sexual violence against minors in the area. They are calling on judicial and administrative authorities to strengthen child protection mechanisms and expedite the processing of cases.

For the time being, neither case has been brought before the courts. The investigations are continuing at the judicial police station in Rumonge.

Calls for exemplary sanctions

The victims’ families are demanding severe penalties for the perpetrators to deter potential repeat offenders.

“We are afraid to send our children to the shops, especially at the end of the day. If the perpetrators are not severely punished, others may repeat these acts,” lamented some residents of the Buruhukiro zone.