Suspected Land Dispute Leads to Brutal Murder in Northern Burundi

The body of Emmanuel Rwasa, a 60-year-old man, was discovered in a drainage ditch on Tuesday morning in Mwumba commune, Ngozi northern province. Local authorities reported that Rwasa had been strangled and struck with metallic objects, leaving visible injuries on his back and head.

Jérémie Manariyo, the administrator of Mwumba commune, indicated that a longstanding land dispute may have been the motive for the crime. “The deceased spent the evening drinking beer purchased by individuals with whom he had unresolved land issues. It is suspected that these same individuals carried out the killing,” Manariyo explained.

Following the incident, police arrested four suspects—three men and one woman—who are currently being questioned as part of the investigation.

Land disputes, often turning violent, remain a significant problem in Burundi, with cases frequently involving members of the same family. Administrator Manariyo condemned the killing and urged residents to turn to legal institutions for resolving conflicts instead of resorting to violence or mob justice.

The Burundian Ministry of Justice reports that land disputes account for 80% of cases heard in courts and tribunals across the country. This latest tragedy highlights the pressing need to address the root causes of these conflicts to prevent further loss of life.