Gitega : a young woman found dead, bound, on the banks of the Nyakijanda River; residents demand answers

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, June 11, 2026 – An investigation has been launched in Gitega following the discovery of the body of a 24-year-old woman on the banks of the Nyakijanda River, in Gitega district and province. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unknown at this stage, while residents of Macu village are calling for a thorough investigation.

A young woman identified as Evelyne Ndayizeye, 24 years old, was found dead on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, on the banks of the Nyakijanda River, near Macu village, in Gitega district and province, in central Burundi.

According to a witness interviewed at the scene, the victim was reportedly tied up before being left by the river. Her cell phone was found near her body.

The exact circumstances of the murder remain unknown at this stage. According to information gathered from local sources, Evelyne Ndayizeye left her home on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, to meet someone whose identity has not been released. She did not return after that outing until her body was discovered the following day.

The Gitega police confirmed the discovery of the body and indicated that an investigation has been opened to determine the circumstances of the tragedy and identify the perpetrators of this crime.

At this stage, no suspect has yet been arrested. The victim was buried on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Gisikara.

Faced with this situation, several residents of Macu village are calling for independent investigations to shed light on this case and identify those responsible.

When contacted, the chief of Macu village, Audace Nkwirikiye, declined to comment.

A series of worrying cases in Gitega Province

Since last year, Gitega Province has been regularly cited by human rights organizations as one of the areas where suspicious deaths and the discovery of bodies have been reported.

In a recent statement, Catholic bishops in Burundi also expressed their concern about the increasing number of these cases, calling on the authorities to strengthen investigations and guarantee the safety of the population.