The weekly bulletin *ITEKA N’IJAMBO* (No. 548), published by the Burundian Human Rights League “ITEKA,” covers the period from October 12 to 18, 2026. It documents several human rights abuses and socioeconomic hardships affecting the Burundian population.
Regarding threats to life, 13 deaths or discoveries of bodies are reported, occurring under various circumstances including alleged violence, suicide, a mining accident, attacks by aquatic animals, and severe weather. This tally includes the death of Bruce Sebanza following violence attributed to security personnel; the discovery of a man found bound on the shores of Lake Tanganyika; six individuals killed by hippopotamuses or crocodiles; and three deaths attributed to heavy rains and strong winds in the province of Butanyerera. These incidents are of different natures and do not all, in themselves, constitute human rights violations.
The bulletin also notes three cases of disappearance: two identified individuals; a Congolese refugee from the Banyamulenge community whose current place of detention remains unknown to his family; and two young girls who went missing after being held in the communal detention center of Gisuru. Furthermore, the bulletin highlights three concerning arrests that took place during search operations in neighborhoods near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), specifically in Rumonge. Regarding sexual violence, five incidents involving girls, adolescents, and women are reported including cases involving minors, a three-months-pregnant young girl, and a young woman who faced both threats and barriers to accessing medical care. These figures reflect the specific incidents detailed in the bulletin and do not represent an exhaustive account of all violations that occurred during the week.
Economic and social rights also remain under pressure. In the commune of Kirundo, 135 households have reportedly left the country, and more than 315 men have allegedly abandoned their families to seek work abroad. Furthermore, thousands of farmers are reported to have paid between 28,000 and 33,000 Burundian francs for FOMI fertilizer vouchers without receiving the expected inputs. Compounding these difficulties are a shortage of drinking water in Kiremba, a lack of school equipment, and concerning sanitary conditions at the Kinga Basic School, where 847 students 441 girls and 406 boys share eight latrines.
Meanwhile, severe weather in the province of Butanyerera has resulted in the destruction of 2,052 homes (800 of which were completely demolished) and 28 schools, as well as the loss of 2,034.4 hectares of land. Finally, allegations of irregularities in the preparations for the 2027 elections, along with concerns regarding certain administrative and economic practices, warrant particular vigilance.
Through these findings, Bulletin No. 548 highlights the interdependence of civil, political, economic, and social rights, and underscores the need to ensure the follow-up of reported violations, the protection of victims, and effective access to justice. Read more