Burundi: Woman killed in grenade attack on family home

According to King Umurundi Freedom, the victim, MACUMI Namariya, succumbed to her wounds on January 30 at Ngozi Regional Hospital, four days after the attack in Bihogo, Gasorwe Zone, Muyinga Commune, in Buhumuza Province.

Her child remains hospitalized with severe injuries to the legs, medical sources told KUF.

Two attacks in three days

The fatal incident came after an earlier grenade attack on the same household on the evening of January 23, when the head of the family, NTADUGIRA Isaac, returned home. Although he was not hurt, the blast caused significant damage to the house.

Local residents described the repeated attacks as “terrorizing,” saying they have heightened fear in the area.

Arrests and a suspect at large

Following the first attack, local authorities arrested two alleged members of the ruling party’s youth wing, the Imbonerakure — HAROGINTORE Sarutiel and NDARUZANIYE — who are suspected of planning the assault, according to sources close to the investigation.

A third suspect, identified as TOTO Aruno, is believed to have led the second attack and remains at large.

Residents told KUF that Aruno has previously been involved in armed operations linked to Burundian forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Possible motive under investigation

Two local traders — brothers BIGIRIMANA and NKORERIMANA — were also arrested after the second attack. Authorities are investigating whether a family dispute may have motivated the violence.

According to local sources, the brothers had accused Isaac’s family of being responsible for the death of their mother through alleged witchcraft, an accusation that has not been proven in court.

Calls for accountability

Human rights groups and residents are calling for a transparent investigation, expressing concern that those arrested could be released without prosecution — a recurring issue in cases involving Imbonerakure members.

King Umurundi Freedom urged authorities to “ensure justice and protect civilians from further violence.”

The community of Bihogo remains in mourning as the injured child continues to receive treatment in Ngozi.