Since the outbreak of the political and security crisis in April 2015, Burundi has continued to experience grave and persistent human rights violations. Despite hopes for democratic reforms and the rule of law, patterns of abuses such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture, and ill-treatment remain largely unchanged.
During the month of August 2025, ACAT-Burundi documented 11 cases of murder, 7 cases of abduction, 2 cases of arbitrary arrest, and 5 cases of torture across various provinces. In most situations, victims’ bodies were discovered in rivers, fields, or remote areas, often buried hastily without investigation, in violation of Burundian criminal procedure law. The majority of perpetrators – frequently members of the National Intelligence Service (SNR), police officers, or the ruling party’s Imbonerakure youth militia – continue to act with complete impunity.
The closure of civic space, repression of civil society and independent media, and lack of judicial independence further aggravate the human rights crisis. Complaints filed after serious abuses rarely lead to impartial investigations or prosecutions. The judiciary, the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH), and the Ombudsman remain under the influence of the executive branch, leaving victims and families without access to justice.
ACAT-Burundi strongly condemns these violations and continues its advocacy at the national, regional, and international levels. In line with its mission, the organization calls for credible and independent investigations, prosecution of perpetrators, and full respect for Burundian and international human rights obligations. ACAT-Burundi also urges national authorities to restore the rule of law and protect all citizens, while appealing to the international community to maintain close scrutiny of Burundi given the high-risk factors for further atrocities, particularly in the run-up to the 2025 elections.
Please find the full report below:
Monitoring Report on Human Rights Violations and Abuses Documented by ACAT-Burundi for August 2025
