SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, May 13, 2025 – Member of Parliament Jean Baptiste Sindayigaya claims to have been violently attacked by armed men in Bujumbura, the commercial city. He claims to have been a kidnapping attempt. The Ministry of Security categorically denies this and claims it was simply a collision between drunken drivers. These two versions are diametrically opposed, against a backdrop of growing tensions in the country.

Member of Parliament Jean Baptiste Sindayigaya, a co-opted representative of the Batwa community at the National Assembly of Burundi, claims to have been the victim of a particularly violent kidnapping attempt on the evening of Saturday, May 10, in Bujumbura. According to his statements, the attack occurred at the Gare du Nord, in the north of the commercial capital.

Intercepted by a group of armed men, one of whom was in police uniform, the MP claims that his attackers tried to force him into an unmarked vehicle. « I saw a tortured person inside, covered in blood, » he confided. His screams reportedly attracted the attention of local residents and local police officers. A confrontation ensued, and the assailants reportedly fled. The MP claims to have been manhandled, injured in the eye, and robbed of 500,000 Bif and a phone.

He said he has contacted several authorities, including the Prime Minister, the Ombudsman, and the Minister of the Interior. « If even the people’s elected representatives are no longer safe, what about ordinary citizens? » he asked in a message to SOS Médias Burundi.

Yhe ministry of national security denies

Less than 48 hours after these allegations, the Burundian ministry of national security formally denied the allegations. In a statement released Monday, May 12, by its spokesperson, Pierre Nkurikiye, it referred to these as « pure, unfounded rumors. »

According to this version, the incident resulted from a collision between five vehicles in a traffic jam. An altercation reportedly broke out between drivers, including Member of Parliament Sindayigaya. Some, « probably under the influence of alcohol, » according to the ministry, got out of their vehicles to resolve the situation without requesting intervention from the police, who were nearby. One police officer was reportedly injured during the fight.

The ministry stated that investigations are underway to determine who was responsible and reiterated that drinking and driving is a crime.

A sensitive political context

The case takes on a particular dimension in a tense pre-election context, with the legislative and district elections scheduled for next June. The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burundi, Fortuné Gaétan Zongo, warned back in 2024 of the upsurge in kidnappings and targeted violence against opponents and critical voices.

Pierre Nkurikiye, spokesperson for the security ministry l in Burundi (SOS Médias Burundi)

Member of Parliament Sindayigaya, representing the Batwa minority, is known for his outspoken positions. He does not rule out the possibility that this attack was linked to his political commitment and calls on the President of the Republic to order an impartial and transparent investigation.

Two narratives are in conflict. But in a climate of mistrust and impunity, the case has rekindled concerns about the use of security forces for political motivations and the protection of elected officials and citizens, regardless of their status.

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Member of Parliament Jean Baptiste Sindayigaya, who escaped a kidnapping attempt in the commercial city of Bujumbura on May 10, 2025, DR