The Burundian civil society organization OLUCOME is calling on the government to take urgent action to ensure the safety of students in public universities, following a wave of disturbing reports of violence, intimidation, and harassment—allegedly carried out by members of the ruling party’s youth wing, the Imbonerakure.
The appeal came on Friday during an interview with local radio station Bonesha FM, where OLUCOME spokesperson Alexis Nimubona expressed serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation on university campuses, particularly at the University of Burundi.
“For several days, we’ve been closely monitoring troubling reports coming from the University of Burundi,” Nimubona said. “Acts of violence may be occurring within these institutions, and it’s the state’s duty to guarantee the safety of all citizens—especially students and university staff.”
Multiple students living in dormitories say that they have been subjected to nighttime attacks by fellow students reportedly linked to the CNDD-FDD party. Many of the victims, speaking under condition of anonymity, said they were targeted for not being affiliated with the ruling party.
“Security on campus has really gone downhill,” said one student. “People are getting attacked in their rooms. Everyone is scared.”
Others reported being physically assaulted and forced to hand over money.
“They beat you and then demand you pay them—like some kind of fine,” another student explained. “It’s the Imbonerakure. We all know it.”
Despite the growing number of complaints, the university administration has denied all allegations, dismissing the reports as fabricated and harmful to the institution’s image.
“The University of Burundi strongly rejects the spread of misinformation intended to damage our reputation,” a statement from the administration read. “These claims are baseless. No official complaint has been filed.”
However, this isn’t the first time the issue has made headlines. Just last month, Bonesha FM journalist Willy Kwizera was reportedly assaulted on Mutanga campus while covering a story. Witnesses said he was attacked by students believed to be affiliated with the CNDD-FDD.
Nimubona criticized what he called political interference in the running of universities, pointing in particular to the way student representatives are elected—many of whom are associated with the ruling party.
“We believe this flawed system is part of the problem. It weakens university administration and fuels abuse,” he said.
Calls for Investigation and Support for Victims
To address the issue, OLUCOME urges the Ministry of Education to launch an independent investigation into the alleged acts of violence and the overall management of public universities.
“There needs to be a clear, transparent inquiry,” said Nimubona. “A commission should be formed to investigate these claims and report its findings publicly.”
In response to the allegations, the University of Burundi Workers’ Union (STUB) took a more cautious stance. Its chair, Authentique Nishimwe, neither confirmed nor denied the reports but insisted that any victims should formally report their cases.
“If a student claims to have been assaulted, they must submit a written complaint to campus security,” Nishimwe told local media. “If the problem isn’t resolved, they should take the matter to the police.”
He also addressed reports of sexual violence, urging victims to seek immediate medical care so physical evidence can be preserved. “They must go to a hospital as soon as possible and then to an anti-violence center like SERUKA for support and help with legal proceedings,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges victims may face, Nishimwe cautioned against making public accusations without evidence. “If someone claims they’ve been assaulted, it has to be verifiable. Otherwise, it becomes difficult to take legal action.”
For now, students and advocates continue to demand accountability—and protection.
“Universities should be safe spaces for learning, not places of fear and violence,” said Nimubona. “The government must step up to protect the students.”
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