SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, May 28, 2025 – Vincent Ndagijimana, parliamentary candidate on the list of the ruling CNDD-FDD party in the new province of Butanyerera (northern Burundi), was arrested on Monday, May 26, in Kayanza. The arrest came after a violent incident in Kivuvu village, in Kabarore district, northern Burundi, following an election campaign activity. According to local sources, Ndagijimana violently attacked several people while returning home. One death was reported, according to witnesses at the scene. The candidate is now held in the National Intelligence Service (SNR) cells in the city of Bujumbura, where he was transferred Tuesday evening.

Relatives of the candidate denounced an « arbitrary » arrest and suggested political motives behind the case.

A controversial local figure

Originally from Kivuvu, Vincent Ndagijimana is a well-known figure in Kayanza province, particularly in the mining sector, particularly coltan extraction. According to a source familiar with the matter, his arrest could be linked to ongoing tensions with powerful players in this sector.

« Vincent complained to President Neva. His former bosses owe him more than 50 billion Burundi francs, » said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

His political rise, considered unexpected, surprised many. Uneducated, Ndagijimana was reportedly included on the list of parliamentary candidates thanks to the support of a senior figure in the regime. His profile was reportedly deemed useful in bringing concerns related to mining in this strategic area to the National Assembly.

A political settling of scores?

Several voices denounce a political maneuver aimed at eliminating him from the electoral race. « His creditors fear that by being elected, he will acquire sufficient influence to demand the repayment of his assets. His arrest could be aimed at removing him from the list of candidates, » suggests another well-informed source.

The CNDD-FDD has not yet officially reacted to this arrest, as tensions mount in the Butanyerera region, one week before the legislative elections.

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Voters waiting to receive their electoral cards in the northwest of Burundi, May 2025 (SOS Médias Burundi)