During May and June 2026, Burundi faced a tragic period, marked by serious human rights violations attributed to state agents as well as other individuals closely associated with the presidential party. Against this backdrop of impunity, civil society though resilient struggled to make its voice heard. Sustained efforts to denounce these abuses seemed futile in the face of the government’s blatant indifference, which ignored urgent calls for justice and a thorough investigation.
The Iteka League, which has systematically monitored the human rights situation in the country, recorded a tragic toll of 42 people killed during this period. Furthermore, abductions and enforced disappearances are a source of deep concern, with 7 cases involving 9 victims. Opposition figures, members of civil society, and retired military personnel remain targets of the authorities, who sought to silence any dissenting voices, thereby urging everyone to rally behind the presidential party. These acts of persecution were often carried out by law enforcement or the Imbonerakure militias, who were close to the government. These disappearances left families in a state of uncertainty and despair, with no news of their loved ones.
This context was also marked by acts of torture; the Iteka League reported six victims in the provinces of Gitega where three cases were recorded and Burunga where two victims had suffered such inhumane treatment as well as in Bujumbura, with one victim who was a retired military officer. Furthermore, during this same period, 21 victims of gender-based violence (GBV) were documented. Among them, 13 people had been raped, 10 of whom were underage girls. The province of Burunga had the highest number of reported cases, totaling 9 victims, followed by Butanyerera with 6 cases, Gitega with 4 victims, and Bujumbura with 2 victims. The Imbonerakure, as well as administrative officials and police officers, were frequently identified as the main perpetrators of these atrocities. Finally, the Iteka League also documented 6 arbitrary arrests: 2 victims in each of the provinces of Burunga and Gitega, and 1 victim in each of the provinces of Buhumuza and Bujumbura. Read the report