ACAT-Burundi sounds the alarm over the escalation of enforced disappearances in Burundi, a phenomenon marked by arbitrary arrests carried out without warrants, often followed by incommunicado detention in illegal facilities. Such practices violate the Burundian Constitution, the Code of Criminal Procedure, as well as regional and international human rights instruments.
Between July and September 2025, several emblematic cases were documented: the disappearance of Désiré Ndayisenga, the abduction of YouTuber Dieudonné Niyukuri and four relatives, the kidnapping of Thierry Niyomwungere in Bujumbura, and the unresolved case of Innocent Ntirandekura, taken from Gitega prison and still missing. The tragic case of Jean-Claude Nitegeka, found dead after disappearing, further highlights the seriousness of these abuses.
These cases reflect a recurring practice exposing victims to torture, ill-treatment and even extrajudicial executions. The prohibition of enforced disappearances is a peremptory norm of international law, meaning these acts engage state responsibility and may amount to crimes against humanity when widespread or systematic.
ACAT-Burundi calls on the authorities to immediately disclose the fate of the victims, end enforced disappearances, respect judicial guarantees, prosecute perpetrators, and fully cooperate with African and UN human rights mechanisms. The organization expresses solidarity with the families and urges the international community to remain vigilant and maintain pressure to end these grave violations.
Please find below the full report:
ACAT-Burundi sounds the alarm over the escalation of enforced disappearances
