Monitoring Report on Human Rights Violations – September 2025

In September 2025, ACAT-Burundi documented a concerning increase in serious human rights violations across the country. A total of eighteen killings were recorded, including extrajudicial executions and the discovery of unidentified bodies abandoned in different areas. Seven cases of abductions and enforced disappearances were reported, mostly attributed to the National Intelligence Service (SNR), sometimes in collaboration with police officers. One arbitrary arrest targeting a member of the diaspora was also documented, along with five cases of torture and serious assaults, particularly violent attacks carried out by Imbonerakure militias against families and opposition members.
The report highlights a persistent climate of impunity. Bodies continue to be buried hastily without investigations, in violation of Burundi’s Code of Criminal Procedure. State agents and militia members are allegedly involved in serious abuses, while judicial institutions and national human rights bodies such as CNIDH and the Ombudsman remain under the influence of the executive, failing to guarantee credible and independent investigations.
ACAT-Burundi calls on the Government of Burundi to protect the population, investigate reported crimes, and put an end to violent patrols by the Imbonerakure, entrusting public security exclusively to regular defense and security forces. The organization urges local authorities, judicial police, and the public prosecutor to systematically open investigations into all suspicious deaths. National human rights institutions must step up and fully use their mandate to promote and protect human rights. Finally, the international community is urged to closely monitor the situation and help prevent further serious abuses.
Please find the full report below:

Monitoring Report on Human Rights Violations and Abuses Documented by ACAT-Burundi for September 2025