Burundi : a former demobilized soldier killed by grenade, second grenade discovered at his home

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, October 16, 2026 — Félix Nsabimana, a 43-year-old former demobilized soldier and father of six children, died on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after a grenade exploded at his home in Rweza village in Gishubi district, Gitega Province, in central Burundi. A search conducted by police after the incident uncovered a second grenade in good condition, as well as a pair of military boots.

According to a witness, the grenade exploded inside the victim’s house. Félix Nsabimana succumbed to his injuries.

Romain Runyegeri, chief of Rweza village, confirmed the events and stated that the cause of the explosion is not yet known. An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.

A second grenade discovered at his home

After the explosion, police searched the home of the demobilized former soldier. According to Romain Runyegeri, officers discovered another grenade in good condition, which had not exploded, as well as a pair of military boots.

The circumstances under which the two explosive devices ended up at Félix Nsabimana’s home remain unclear. At this stage, there is no evidence to establish their origin or explain why they were in the house.

An appeal to surrender illegally held weapons

According to the local chief, Félix Nsabimana was buried on the same day as his death, Thursday, October 15.

Following this tragedy, Romain Runyegeri called on anyone still possessing weapons at home to surrender them to the defense and security forces.

The investigation will notably aim to establish the circumstances of the explosion and the origin of the grenades found at the victim’s home.