SOS Médias Burundi

Cankuzo, June 16, 2025 – A young Rwandan refugee was violently stabbed to death near the Kavumu camp in eastern Burundi. Three Congolese refugees were arrested. The tragedy has rekindled concerns about security in the refugee camps. Youssef, 23 years old, was attacked on the night of Wednesday, June 11, near the center known as Kumuheto, not far from the police station responsible for security at Kavumu camp in Cankuzo province. He worked at a nearby bar and restaurant.

According to sources within the camp, the young man was attacked by unidentified individuals as he was returning to his resting place. He was reportedly first beaten, then stabbed. He was rushed to Ruyigi hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during the night.

« Youssef was a quiet person. He was much loved in the camp and worked hard to live with dignity. May his soul rest in peace. We demand justice for him, » said a close friend, also a Rwandan refugee.

Three arrests

Burundian police report arresting three young Congolese refugees as part of the investigation. An investigation is underway to identify additional suspects. The exact motives for the attack have not yet been revealed.

Youssef was buried on Friday, June 13, in the presence of many mourners.

A persistent climate of insecurity

This murder has renewed concerns about security in Burundi’s refugee camps. Earlier this year, a Congolese refugee was killed in the Nyankanda camp, and another homicide was reported in 2024 in the Bwagiriza camp. Both camps are located in Ruyigi province, in the east of the country.

Refugees are urgently appealing to Burundian authorities and humanitarian partners to strengthen security, combat impunity, and ensure effective protection for vulnerable populations in the camps.

The Kavumu camp hosts more than 18,000 refugees, mostly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, but also from Rwanda and South Sudan.