Concerns are escalating at the Bwagiriza Congolese refugee camp in Ruyigi province, eastern Burundi, following a wave of arrests targeting Banyamulenge community members. Specifically, L’inquiétude monte au camp de réfugiés congolais de Bwagiriza, which is located in the commune de Ruyigi, in the province de Buhumuza, à l’est du Burundi. Several Banyamulenge, including Congolese refugees, have been arrested in Bujumbura since early September amidst rising tensions between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These arrests have specifically targeted members of the Banyamulenge community, who are often refugees from the DRC. Among those detained in Bujumbura are three pastors: Jalos Nkunda Kilaya, Gédéon Nzayitegaho, and Mark Ntayoberwa. Ntole Rugonderani, a Congolese refugee and Banyamulenge community member, confirmed the growing apprehension among the community. Reports indicate that some arrested individuals have been transported to Service national de renseignement (SNR) premises located near the Regina Mundi cathedral in Bujumbura. The increased detentions have cast a shadow of fear over the Banyamulenge population residing in Burundi, particularly those in refugee camps.
Wave of Detentions in Burundi
Ntole Rugonderani, approximately 70 years old, was apprehended at his home on September 20. Ntole Rugonderani, a Congolese refugee and a member of the Banyamulenge community, was taken into custody by local agents of the National Intelligence Service (SNR). He is known as a catechist for the Community of the Assemblies of God in Burundi (CADP) within the Bwagiriza camp. His apprehension has further fueled the anxiety within the refugee community. Witnesses to his arrest stated that no warrant was presented during Ntole Rugonderani's detention, and no precise explanation was given for any alleged offenses. This lack of official procedure has raised significant concerns among human rights observers and community members alike.
Jalos Nkunda Kilaya was arrested on September 8 at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport as he prepared to travel to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. During an operation at Kilaya's home, his wife, Jacqueline Nyiramasoso, and a young student named Merci were also taken into custody, amplifying the impact of the arrests on families. Gédéon Nzayitegaho was arrested two days later, on September 10, at his church, Carmel, located in the Mutakura neighborhood, north of Bujumbura. The arrests of these religious figures have been particularly unsettling for the Banyamulenge community, noting the broad scope of the detentions. Several arrested individuals have reportedly been taken to SNR premises near the Regina Mundi cathedral in Bujumbura, where their legal status and conditions of detention remain unclear. The pattern of arrests without clear explanation or warrant has led to widespread fear and uncertainty among the Banyamulenge in Burundi.
Regional Conflict Echoes
The escalating tensions and arrests are occurring against a backdrop of significant regional conflict. Burundi deployed over 29,000 soldiers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between August 2022 and December 2025. These Burundian soldiers are actively engaged in combat alongside the FARDC, the Congolese armed forces, and Wazalendo militias against the AFC-M23 coalition in eastern DRC. The AFC-M23, also known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo, is a significant armed group operating in the region, whose activities have destabilized large swathes of Congolese territory.
Kinshasa has accused the AFC-M23 of receiving support from Rwanda, an allegation that Kigali has consistently denied. The AFC is led by Corneille Nangaa, the former president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) of the DRC. This coalition has established control over several strategic areas within North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, posing a significant challenge to the authority of the Congolese government. The presence and operations of the AFC-M23 have led to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises in the affected regions.
An important ally of the AFC-M23 in South Kivu is the Twirwaneho group. This group is composed primarily of fighters from the Banyamulenge community, further complicating the dynamics of the conflict in the region. The involvement of various armed groups and national armies shows the complex security situation in eastern DRC, which continues to have ripple effects across the Great Lakes region. The deployment of Burundian troops and their participation in the conflict against the AFC-M23 notes the regional entanglements contributing to the ongoing instability. The allegiances and ethnic compositions of these armed groups create intricate political and social challenges, influencing how various communities are perceived and treated across national borders.
Community Fear and Appeals
Banyamulenge refugees currently live in fear due to a proliferation of arrests, according to community members. This multiplication of arrests has created an atmosphere of deep apprehension within the community. Witnesses reported that no warrant was presented during Ntole Rugonderani's arrest, and no specific explanation was provided regarding any alleged offenses. One suggested reason for Mr. Rugonderani's detention is a recent trip he made to Rwanda to visit family members, an act that community members believe should not warrant such severe action. Relatives of Mr. Rugonderani described his detention as an abduction, stating he was taken without a warrant and without official information concerning his whereabouts or the reasons for his arrest. This lack of transparency has exacerbated fears about due process and legal protections for those detained.
Human rights organization SOS-Torture Burundi has also documented several arrests attributed to agents of the Service national de renseignement (SNR), corroborating the accounts from the Banyamulenge community. These reports highlight growing concerns among the Banyamulenge community in Burundi regarding their safety and fundamental rights. The absence of official communication regarding the reasons for these detentions and the conditions under which individuals are held has led to widespread calls for clarity and adherence to legal procedures. The community and human rights advocates are urging Burundian authorities to respect the rights of refugees and provide transparent information regarding all arrests.