Gitega: Marc Nzikobanyanka, Claude Nahimana Violence Probed

• Two separate violent incidents occurred in Gitega province, Burundi, within two days, involving a deceased man and a severely beaten man.
• Marc Nzikobanyanka, 60, was found stabbed in the Kanyangwa River, while Claude Nahimana, 38, was discovered comatose and beaten in a eucalyptus grove.
• Investigations are ongoing for both cases, with suspects arrested and potential motives like theft and land disputes being explored.
• Gitega province has seen over 90 deaths or discoveries of bodies since January 2026, contributing to widespread security concerns.
• Human rights groups are urging thorough investigations to identify perpetrators and combat impunity amidst the rising violence.

The persistent violence and the increasing number of bodies discovered in Burundi have drawn strong condemnation from human rights organizations.

Gitega province in central Burundi was the scene of two distinct and violent incidents reported within a two-day span, according to information from September 3, 2026. One case involved the discovery of a 60-year-old man's body in a river, while the other concerned a 38-year-old man found severely beaten and abandoned in a wooded area. These events have prompted investigations and raised concerns about the escalating violence in the region.

On a Wednesday morning, the body of Marc Nzikobanyanka, aged 60, was located in the Kanyangwa River, which forms a natural boundary between the villages of Gishubi and Murangara within the Gishubi district. Evidence gathered at the scene suggested that Mr. Nzikobanyanka had been stabbed prior to his body being disposed of in the water. The precise circumstances surrounding his death and the motive behind the attack remain undetermined at this stage of the inquiry.

A separate incident unfolded on Thursday morning in the Gitega district, where Claude Nahimana, 38, was discovered in a critical, comatose state. He was found packed into bags and left in a eucalyptus grove in Mubuga village. Local officials confirmed that Mr. Nahimana had sustained a severe beating before being abandoned. His health condition was described as worrying upon discovery, and the exact details of the assault are still under investigation.

Investigations into the death of Marc Nzikobanyanka are actively underway. Annick Ngezumugongo, the chief of Gishubi village, confirmed the discovery of the body, noting that the reasons for the murder have yet to be established. A significant detail emerged regarding Mr. Nzikobanyanka's finances: days before his death, he had withdrawn three million Burundian francs from a local mutual fund. This sum was reportedly obtained from the sale of his coffee at a washing station operated by the Burundi Coffee Development Authority (ODECA). While a potential link to theft is being considered, this avenue has not been officially confirmed.

In connection with the Nzikobanyanka case, two individuals, Jean Bosco Ndayishimiye and Levis Nimbona, have been apprehended. They were subsequently transferred to a police hideout for further questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. Similarly, the assault on Claude Nahimana has led to arrests. Emmanuel Misigaro, the chief of Mubuga village, indicated that a land dispute is currently the primary theory being explored as a motive for the attack, although this too has not been officially substantiated.

For the incident involving Mr. Nahimana, Clovis Ntahimpera, identified as the victim's brother, and Joël Nizigiyimana have been taken into custody. Like the suspects in the Nzikobanyanka case, they are being held at a police hideout for investigative purposes. Authorities are working to determine the precise circumstances of both attacks and to establish accountability, with all defendants presumed innocent until a final judicial decision is reached.

These two recent cases of violence in Gitega province are not isolated incidents but rather contribute to a troubling pattern observed throughout the year. Since January 2026, the province has experienced a significant surge in homicides and the discovery of deceased individuals. An internal count by our editorial staff indicates that more than 90 people have either been killed or found dead across Gitega province within this period.

This alarming figure encompasses cases reported from various sources, and it is important to note that the full circumstances surrounding many of these deaths have not yet been definitively established. The escalating violence was particularly evident in August, when our editorial team previously reported that approximately a dozen individuals had died or been found lifeless across different localities in Gitega province over a twelve-day period. The ongoing violence and the frequent discovery of bodies continue to fuel security concerns within the province and the wider region.

The persistent violence and the increasing number of bodies discovered in Burundi have drawn strong condemnation from human rights organizations. These groups are actively raising awareness about the deteriorating security situation and are advocating for robust responses from authorities. They have issued urgent calls for thorough and impartial investigations into all reported deaths and incidents of violence.

Human rights advocates emphasize the critical need to establish the exact circumstances behind these fatalities, to identify and apprehend the alleged perpetrators, and to vigorously combat impunity. The recent incidents involving Marc Nzikobanyanka and Claude Nahimana underscore these concerns, adding to a growing list of cases that demand comprehensive legal scrutiny to ensure justice and restore security in Gitega province.

Source: Original reporting via local Burundian sources