Burundi : Faustin Ndikumana cries conspiracy after weapons are discovered in his bar

SOS Médias Burundi

Ngozi, June 5, 2026 – The discovery of weapons and military equipment in a bar belonging to human rights defender Faustin Ndikumana continues to raise strong reactions in Burundi. More than two weeks after the incident, six employees remain in detention and the business remains closed by the authorities. The activist denounces a “set-up” aimed at implicating him and silencing one of the last remaining critical voices active in the country. He demands the immediate release of his employees and an independent investigation into the circumstances of this case.

Speaking Friday at a press conference held at the headquarters of the local NGO PARCEM (Words and Actions for the Awakening of Consciences and the Evolution of Mentalities) in Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital, Faustin Ndikumana addressed the events that occurred on May 17 at his bar, Snack-Bar Butanyerera, located in the town and district of Ngozi, in Butanyerera province, in the north of the country, where weapons and military equipment were discovered.

According to him, an individual brought a Kalashnikov rifle and a bag containing military uniforms, a grenade, and ammunition into the premises, before abandoning them there in an attempt to provoke a police intervention and implicate him.

“I have never owned and I will never own firearms. My struggle is based on ideas, reasoned argument, and the promotion of good governance,” declared Faustin Ndikumana.

The activist believes this case seriously damages his image and that of his organization. He affirms his determination to continue his activism despite what he calls attempts at intimidation.

Following the discovery of these weapons, six employees of the bar were arrested and detained. The Butanyerera Snack-Bar was closed by the authorities.

Faustin Ndikumana says he doesn’t understand why the employees who alerted the police are in prison. He calls their detention an injustice and demands their immediate release.

He urges the authorities, particularly the President of the Republic and the judicial bodies, to shed full light on this case and allow the reopening of his bar, which he describes as a source of employment for many young people.

A well-known figure in the Burundian civil society, Faustin Ndikumana is one of the few remaining active figures in the country, recognized for his critical stances on governance, transparency, and the management of public affairs.

He left Burundi after the attempted coup of 2015, before returning a few months later to resume his activities. His former comrades, however, mostly remained in exile and are still facing legal proceedings related to the events of 2015, which the authorities describe as an attempted “armed uprising.”

Over the years, his outspokenness has earned him sharp criticism from political figures. Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, in particular, cited him among the voices he accuses of tarnishing the country’s image.

The district of Ngozi, where the six employees were arrested, is also the activist’s home district.

No official reaction from administrative, police, or judicial authorities was available at the time of publication.

This case comes amid ongoing concerns among civil society organizations and observers about the civic space in Burundi. The authorities, for their part, maintain they are acting in strict accordance with the law and national security imperatives.