Burundi : 407 deaths, 13,000 inmates, and 663 documented violations in a year, warns the Iteka league

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, July 2, 2026 – In Burundi, the human rights situation has deteriorated further over the past year. In its report covering the June 2025 – May 2026 period, the Burundian League for Human Rights, the Iteka League, reports 663 incidents of violations, 407 people killed, 57 abductions, and a national prison operating at over 300% of its capacity. The organization points to a persistent climate of fear, an increase in violence, and a weakening of oversight mechanisms in a post-election context dominated by the CNDD-FDD.

A post-election year marked by power consolidation

According to the report, the year following the 2025 elections was marked by a further consolidation of power for the CNDD-FDD, which was credited with 96.51% of parliamentary seats according to the Independent National Electoral Commission. This situation, according to the Iteka League, contributed to a significant shrinking of the political and democratic space.

The document emphasizes that this dominance has resulted in the persistent marginalization of opposition forces and an increasingly restrictive political climate.

“The political environment remains marked by a progressive restriction of civil liberties and strong pressure on critical voices,” the report states, also mentioning social tensions linked in particular to land disputes and relations between the administration and the population.

663 violations in twelve months, including more than 400 deaths

In terms of human rights, the Iteka League reports having documented 663 incidents of violations between June 2025 and May 2026. According to the report, these incidents resulted in 407 deaths, in contexts ranging from interpersonal violence to acts attributed to state and non-state actors.

The organization also recorded 57 cases of abduction, 44 cases of torture, 176 instances of gender-based violence, and 102 arbitrary arrests. It believes these figures reflect a continuing and alarming deterioration of the human rights situation throughout the country.

Regarding the alleged perpetrators, the report indicates that in 246 cases, they have not been identified. However, it also mentions members of the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the CNDD-FDD, in 109 cases, the police in 68 cases, the intelligence services in 23 cases, and the army in 9 cases.

Gitega, Bujumbura, and Burunga among the most affected areas

The geographical distribution of the violence highlights significant disparities. In Gitega province, in the center of the country and home to the political capital, approximately 120 killings were recorded. In Bujumbura, in the west where the commercial capital is located, 84 cases were documented, while Burunga, in the south, saw 58.

The report also mentions bodies found in unexplained circumstances and alleged cases of extrajudicial killings. “Several incidents have not been thoroughly investigated, reinforcing a sense of impunity,” notes the Iteka League.

Abductions and disappearances : 57 reported cases

The Iteka League has documented 57 cases of abductions and enforced disappearances during the period studied. In several instances, the victims were reportedly taken by unidentified individuals or by people allegedly linked to administrative or security structures.

Some victims remain missing to this day, leaving their families deeply worried. “The lack of information on the fate of the missing continues to fuel fear within the communities,” the report emphasizes.

Torture and inhuman treatment

The report documents 44 cases of torture, primarily involving police officers, members of the Imbonerakure (youth wing of the ruling party), and some local officials.

Victims describe inhuman and degrading treatment, often during arrests or while in detention. The Iteka League believes that these practices further erode trust between citizens and security institutions.

A critical prison crisis

The situation in prisons is considered alarming. In May 2026, Burundi held 13,063 prisoners, far exceeding its capacity, with an estimated occupancy rate of 302%.

This overcrowding results in extremely difficult detention conditions, characterized by a lack of space, food, and healthcare. The report also highlights the presence of women detained with their children, including infants living in prison.

Humanitarian pressure related to population displacement.

On the humanitarian side, the Iteka League highlights a critical situation linked to population movements.

The report indicates that Burundi is hosting a significant number of Congolese refugees, particularly in several locations across the country, where living conditions remain extremely precarious. The main challenges concern access to water, food, and healthcare. Deaths have also been reported.

At the same time, Burundians were repatriated from Tanzania during the same period, in a context marked by the closure of the Nduta camp in northwestern Tanzania and pressure exerted on those affected in other reception centers.

Weakened oversight institutions

The Iteka League asserts that human rights monitoring mechanisms have been weakened over the past year. The report specifically mentions changes within the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH), a reduction in prison visits, and an overall weakening of oversight bodies.

At the end of its analysis, the Iteka League concludes that the period from June 2025 to May 2026 is marked by a continued deterioration of human rights, an increased concentration of political power, a persistent socio-economic crisis, and growing humanitarian pressure.

The organization calls for urgent reforms to reverse this trend and restore fundamental freedoms.

No direct reaction from the Burundian authorities has been made following the publication of this report. However, on several occasions, officials from the former Hutu rebellion, in power since 2005 following the Arusha Agreement of August 2000, as well as the Burundian government, have described the Iteka League’s reports as being influenced by “enemies of the country” and accused the organization of serving the interests of the former colonial powers.

The Iteka League, considered a pioneer among human rights organizations in the small East African nation, has been forced to operate from exile since the 2015 crisis triggered by the controversial third term of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza that same year.