A family tragedy of rare violence shook the district of Nyanza-Lac, in Makamba province (southern Burundi). Oscar Nyandwi, a local resident, was arrested after seriously injuring his wife, Agnès Niyokwizera, with a machete. The man is currently held at the district police station.

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According to local sources, Oscar Nyandwi allegedly attacked his wife after an argument over her child, whom he accused of not being his. According to preliminary investigations, he attempted to take the child’s life before violently attacking his wife.

This crime deeply shocked the local population. Jean-Marie Niyonkuru, a resident of the neighborhood where the tragedy occurred, testified :

« We heard screams and, when we arrived, we found the woman covered in blood. This is a barbaric act that should not happen in our families. »

The Nyanza-Lac district administration strongly condemned this act and assured that the perpetrator will be held accountable for his actions before the courts.

A worrying phenomenon of domestic violence

This tragedy is not an isolated case. According to human rights organizations, Makamba province is experiencing a rise in domestic violence.

Dr. Jeanne Ndayikeza, a sociologist specialized in gender issues, warns of this alarming trend :

« Domestic violence remains a major problem in Burundi. Many women suffer attacks without being able to report their abusers, either out of fear or lack of support. It is crucial that these crimes not go unpunished. »

A 2024 report published by a local NGO documented several similar cases in the province, highlighting that domestic violence is increasing, particularly in rural areas where access to justice is limited.

Calls for strict measures

Faced with this situation, women’s organizations and human rights defenders are urging the authorities to strengthen victim protection and impose severe penalties on perpetrators of domestic violence.

Carine Ntakarutimana, a member of a local women’s rights association, emphasizes :

« Too often, these crimes are minimized or settled out of court, which encourages perpetrators to re-offend. It is time for the Burundian justice system to send a strong signal by severely punishing these acts. »

While the local community is still in shock, the associations are also calling for an intensification of awareness campaigns against domestic violence.

People of Nyanza-Lac are now awaiting the outcome of the legal proceedings, hoping that this case will serve as a wake-up call to better protect victims and prevent further family tragedies.

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The town center of the district of Nyanza-Lac in Makamba province in southern Burundi