Authorities in the Muramba zone, Bubanza province in the west of Burundi, have detained three individuals accused of committing sexual violence against women and girls. Among them is a man charged with abducting a young girl to forcibly marry her. Local organizations report over 200 victims of gender-based violence in the area this year, including both women and men.
The arrests occurred earlier this month, with two individuals accused of sexually abusing children and one accused of abduction with intent to marry. Community leaders have condemned these acts, but some locals attribute the violence to what they describe as the “inappropriate behavior” of women and girls. “It’s fine for a woman to have a drink, but she should return home early,” said a 50-year-old resident of Muramba area.
SFBSP, a local organization fighting against sexual and gender-based violence, reports having assisted 191 women and girls, along with 19 men, who fell victim to such violence at the Muramba health center this year.
Local administrative authorities acknowledge the prevalence of these incidents, affirming the urgent need for action. “These crimes are a reality we’re actively fighting against,” said Muramba zone chief Rémy Nkengurutse. “One of the detained individuals abducted a girl to force her into marriage—an unacceptable act in today’s world.”
Burundi’s law on prevention, protection of victims and punishment of gender-based violence prescribes prison terms of 3 months to 5 years and fines of 50,000 to 100,000 Burundian francs for anyone found guilty of abducting a girl for forced marriage. As investigations continue, rights organizations and authorities urge stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals and bring perpetrators to justice
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