This horrific event occurred last Monday, June 30, 2025, in Gasarara Village, Nyabiraba Commune, Bujumbura Province (western Burundi). Six ruling-party members of CNDD-FDD were killed by a mob led by Imbonerakure (the party’s youth wing), accused of witchcraft—though no evidence was presented.
Witnesses report the victims were murdered either publicly or in their homes: two men were burned alive, and four women were beaten to death with clubs and stones. The attack took place broad daylight, just before the 63rd independence anniversary celebration.
Locals say the violence was orchestrated by someone named Elysée, believed to be the local Imbonerakure leader. The mob attack was reportedly sparked by rumors of “mysterious deaths,” including those of a teacher and a child, according to SOS Medias Burundi.
One resident said:
“These killings caused fear and suspicion. Some youth were manipulated into ‘punishing’ those labeled criminals…”
🚨 Security Forces Respond Too Late
By the time security forces arrived, the perpetrators had fled. Burundi’s police force (PNB) confirmed at least 16 arrests, many of whom are Imbonerakure members. The following day, Interior Minister Martin Niteretse visited the scene of the massacre. He promised that justice will be served and announced that suspects’ files have been sent to the prosecutor’s office.
Witchcraft or Political Revenge?
Though accusations of witchcraft are common in some regions of Burundi—especially in the northwest, southwest, and east—many believe these are often pretexts for personal score settling or political motives.
A civil society activist commented:
“What happened in Gasarara has never occurred before. This is the first time so many were killed in one day under witchcraft charges. It’s a terrifying sign.”
Residents also blame the local CNDD-FDD leadership for instigating the attack, warning that such collusion fuels fear and deepens ethnic divisions among the populace.
