Cibitoke, April 7, 2025 – Cibitoke province (northwestern Burundi) is rocked by a worrying wave of sexual violence against children. In less than three months, fifteen girls under 10 years of age have been raped, according to medical and judicial sources. This series of attacks is all the more alarming given that the majority of the alleged perpetrators remain unpunished.

SOS Médias Burundi

The district of Bukinanyana alone has recorded five cases, followed by Murwi and Mabayi (three cases each), and Rugombo (two cases). Despite the seriousness of the crimes, only half of the victims received access to appropriate medical care. Worse still, only five suspects have been arrested and imprisoned in Mpimba prison in Bujumbura, the commercial city.

Violence on the rise

According to women’s rights organizations, more than 7,800 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) were recorded in Burundi in 2023, including nearly 2,500 cases of rape. Among these cases, more than 60% of the victims are minors.

In 2022, these organizations had already recorded approximately 6,400 cases of GBV, illustrating a worrying increase. Lack of access to healthcare, fear of reporting, and social pressure are exacerbating the problem.

Corruption, silence, and political influence

A children’s rights activist, active in Cibitoke for over ten years, denounces « systemic » impunity, perpetuated by out-of-court settlements, often encouraged by local officials. In Bukinanyana, a mother accuses a motorcyclist of allegedly bribing her release with political support.

According to a judicial source, several suspects are Imbonerakure (members of the youth league of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party), as well as motorcyclists and teachers. However, five heavy sentences have been handed down this year, some with life sentences.

The government promises action

Faced with pressure from civil society and women’s organizations, the Ministry of National Solidarity announced the strengthening of listening and support centers for victims, as well as the creation of a joint justice, police, and health unit responsible for quickly handling cases of sexual violence.

The Attorney General’s Office, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to fighting impunity, calling on the population to break the silence and denounce any attempt at out-of-court settlements.

« Justice must prevail. » « No political influence or community pressure should hinder the rights of victims, especially when they involve children, » insisted the public prosecutor in Cibitoke.

Calls for urgent action

Women’s and children’s rights advocates are calling for stronger action, exemplary sanctions, and, above all, increased protection for victims and witnesses. « We cannot be satisfied with promises. These are lives shattered. The government must fulfill its protective role, » declared an activist from the Women’s Voice Burundi coalition.

Because behind the numbers, there are stolen childhoods and irreparable traumas that still await justice and reparation.

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Women and girls at a water point in Cibitoke province in Burundi)