Musongati : a vill chief and an agricultural extension worker beaten; four suspects arrested then released

SOS Médias Burundi

Musongati, October 11, 2026 — A village chief and an agricultural extension worker were violently assaulted on Wednesday, October 7, in Kibimba village in Musongati district, Burunga Province, southeastern Burundi. The violence occurred amidst a conflict between farmers and fishermen regarding the Mukazye River. Four individuals suspected of involvement in the assault were arrested but released a few hours later, according to local sources.

Jean Nyandwi, the agricultural extension worker injured in the incident, sustained a broken leg, among other injuries. After receiving initial treatment at Giharo Hospital, he was transferred to Kibuye Hospital in Gitega Province (central Burundi), which was deemed better equipped to handle his condition.

Local sources also report that some individuals suspected of participating in the violence left Burundi for Tanzania following their release. Given the region’s border location, the proximity of the two countries reportedly facilitated their departure.

A river at the heart of tensions

According to local accounts, a dispute has been ongoing for some time between farmers and those fishing in this section of the Mukazye River.

A sharp drop in water levels reportedly led some fishermen to construct makeshift dams using branches and pieces of wood to retain water and make catching fish easier.

This practice worries local farmers, who fear that these structures will obstruct the river’s flow when water levels rise again. They particularly fear the river overflowing or changing its course, which could wash away their fields.

A village chief attacked while intervening

It was against this backdrop that the chief of Mugombwa village —located in the Gakungu zone—reportedly went to the site around 11 a.m. on Wednesday to ask people fishing in the river to stop.

According to local sources, the situation quickly escalated. The official was reportedly confronted and violently beaten while attempting to put a stop to the fishing.

Alerted to the events, Jean Nyandwi—an agricultural extension worker for Mugombwa village responsible for monitoring crops—went to the scene to assist the village chief. He, too, was attacked.

The extension worker sustained several blows, notably to his leg, resulting in a fracture. The village chief was also subjected to violent rough handling. Local residents who intervened eventually managed to disperse those involved in the violence.

The injured man transferred under difficult conditions

Following the assault, Jean Nyandwi was taken to Giharo Hospital for initial treatment. His condition subsequently required a transfer to Kibuye Hospital—deemed better equipped to handle his injuries—in Gitega Province, central Burundi.

However, according to those accompanying him, his evacuation was delayed by transport-related difficulties. They state that payment for fuel and the ambulance driver’s wages was demanded upfront. Lacking sufficient funds, the injured man was ultimately transported on an ordinary motorcycle.

Four CNDD-FDD members arrested and then released

Following the assault, four members of the CNDD-FDD—the ruling party—were arrested by the police with the help of local residents, according to local sources. They are identified as Kabura, Niko, Nizigiyimana, and Emmanuel.

The four suspects were taken to the police station in Kibimba village, in the Butezi zone. However, they were released a few hours later.

Local accounts implicate the chief of Kibimba village and the local CNDD-FDD official, whom they accuse of intervening to secure their release. According to these sources, the two officials reportedly argued that other individuals suspected of participating in the violence had already fled.

The exact circumstances of this release remain unclear.

Suspicions targeting local officials

The attack occurred amid persistent tensions surrounding the exploitation of the river. Residents suspect certain administrative and political officials of having contributed to fueling the dispute.

Other accounts suggest the possible involvement of local officials in encouraging or organizing the violence of October 7. However, these accusations could not be independently verified.

In this part of the Musongati district, residents now fear a further escalation of tensions between farmers and fishermen. They are calling on the authorities to intervene to find a lasting solution to the conflict surrounding the Mukazye River and to shed light on the violence committed against the village chief and the agricultural extension worker.

No official reaction from the local administration, the police, or the individuals implicated had been received at the time of publication.

Mugombwa village is located in the Gakungu zone, while Kibimba is in the Butezi zone, in the district of Musongati, Burunga province, in southeastern Burundi.