This 2025 annual report on the human rights situation in Burundi examines the political, governance, judicial, environmental, security, human rights, and humanitarian context. It also addresses civil and political rights, social, economic and cultural rights, as well as category-specific rights, particularly the rights of women and children. The report concludes with a final section of conclusions and recommendations.
Thus, over the course of this year, the state of human rights has seriously and alarmingly deteriorated. The Iteka League recorded 662 incidents nationwide, which resulted in 892 victims.
Among the victims, at least 402 people were killed, 233 bodies were found, 156 people suffered gender-based violence, including 104 rape victims, 53 tortured people, 55 abducted or disappeared people, and 217 people arbitrarily arrested and detained. Other statistics include other categories of victims of drowning, assault, domestic violence, harassment, and inhuman and degrading treatment.
Although the political affiliation of the majority of the victims is unknown, it should be noted that members of political parties were not spared: 44 members of the CNDD-FDD were affected, 35 CNL activists, 1 member of the MSD and 10 members of the UPRONA party.
Accusations are also directed at members of the ruling party, particularly members of the Imbonerakure militia, administrative agents, elements of the SNR, as well as police officers, who are considered the main perpetrators of human rights violations and reported killings. Read more