SOS Médias Burundi

A gruesome tragedy unfolded on Tuesday, April 22, in Rusiga village in the district of Rugombo, near Cibitoke (the town center of the northwest province), where the body of a 15-year-old boy was found. Although authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of his death, several local residents are blaming the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, for the violence.

Cibitoke, April 22, 2025 – The victim, a young street vendor well-known in downtown Cibitoke for his egg and peanut trade, was found on the afternoon of April 22 on the 9th avenue, less than three kilometers from the provincial town center. Residents quickly rushed to the scene and confirmed the young man’s identity.

According to a local security source, the theory of a robbery gone wrong is being considered. However, this version does not convince some of the local population, who openly accuse members of the Imbonerakure of being involved in the incident. The latter are allegedly accused of sowing terror in the region, notably by carrying out armed patrols day and night.

« This area is a well-known haunt of youth from the ruling party. They patrol here armed, and it’s not uncommon for violent acts to occur there, » confided a resident on condition of anonymity. Others claim that similar incidents have occurred in the past without any investigation shedding light on the facts.

Calls for justice

Faced with this tense situation, local authorities have attempted to calm things down. The Rugombo district administrator, Gilbert Manirakiza, confirmed the discovery of the body and appealed for cooperation : « The investigation is ongoing. We ask the population to trust the police and provide any useful information so that justice can be done. »

The victim’s body was transferred to the provincial hospital morgue pending the results of the investigation.

A series of gruesome discoveries in Cibitoke

This murder joins a recurring series of gruesome discoveries in Cibitoke province. In recent months, several lifeless bodies have been found in similar circumstances, often in remote areas, leaving residents worried. These events are sometimes attributed to political or district violence, but the perpetrators often remain in the shadows.

Residents of Cibitoke are demanding that full light be shed on these crimes so that those responsible can be brought to justice. Tensions are rising, and people are concerned about the impunity that seems to prevail in the region. They hope that recent investigations will shed light on these tragedies and arrest those responsible.

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The Rusiga locality where the corpse was found (SOS Médias Burundi)