Burundi: two bodies found in Gitega, a murder disguised as suicide suspected

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, July 27, 2026—Two lifeless bodies were discovered over the weekend in the district and province of Gitega, in central Burundi. While the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the victims remain unknown, residents suspect a murder disguised as a suicide in the second case and are calling for a thorough investigation.

The body of Crescence Nizigiyimana was found on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in the Ruvyironza River, which separates the Kabanga and Giheta zones of the district and province of Gitega.

The information was confirmed by Immaculée Ndikuriyo, head of the Kabanga zone. She indicated that the exact circumstances of this death are not yet known.

“The victim was participating in a prayer session. She slipped away from the other participants before disappearing. She was never seen again until her body was discovered,” explained the administrative official.

According to her, Crescence Nizigiyimana suffered from a mental illness. Her body, which was already beginning to decompose, was buried that same Sunday in Gihehe village.

A death that fuels suspicions in Ngundu

On the same Sunday, a second lifeless body was discovered in Ngundu village, in the district and province of Gitega.

It was that of Déo Singirankabo, 61 years old and father of six, found hanging from a rope tied to the rafters of his home.

The deputy chief of Ngundu village, Elias Ndikumana, confirmed the facts and stated that the motives for this death have not yet been established.

“The investigations have already begun.” “So far, no suspects have been apprehended,” he stated.

However, some residents of Ngundu village have expressed doubts about the suicide theory. They claim the victim was killed, bound, and then placed there to make it look like a suicide.

According to these residents, a land dispute is among the most likely explanations. These accusations have not yet been confirmed by the investigating authorities.

The residents are calling for an independent investigation to shed light on this case and bring any perpetrators to justice.

Gitega, a province marked by violence

The province of Gitega is among the regions of Burundi where cases of crime have been regularly reported in recent months. Reports from the Iteka League, a pioneering human rights organization in Burundi forced to operate from exile since the 2015 crisis triggered by the controversial third term of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza, document numerous cases of assassinations, disappearances, and other violations of the right to life.

Recently, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi expressed its concern about the rise in insecurity and crime in the country. It called on Burundian authorities to strengthen the protection of citizens, combat impunity, and ensure credible investigations into reported crimes.

For his part, Fortuné Gaëtan Zongo, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi, also denounced the continued human rights violations, including cases of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the lack of prosecutions of alleged perpetrators.

These criticisms were rejected by President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who notably attacked the Catholic bishops, accusing them of presenting a negative image of the country and failing to recognize the government’s efforts in security and governance.