Land disputes are being addressed in Burundi's Bubanza commune, where officials are responding to concerns amidst flood impacts and a dam construction project. The article specifically discusses these land disputes in the commune of Bubanza. Sabbas Niyokindi, an official, granted an interview on Monday, September 14, 2026, regarding the situation. Niyokindi assured that the government remains committed to continuing the dam project despite the ongoing challenges. The disputes are primarily caused by recurrent floods from the Kajeke river and uncertainty surrounding compensation for a planned dam construction project.
Flood-Induced Boundary Chaos
When the Kajeke river floods, it expands like a lake, erasing existing property boundaries. After the water recedes, farmers on both banks often extend their fields into the former riverbed, which frequently leads to disputes. Aloys Nshimirimana, chief of Kagirigiri hill, stated that some residents claim riverbanks as their own land once the river dries up. Nshimirimana explained that residents assert the valley belongs to them, "alors que le gouvernement rappelle qu’il s’agit du domaine public communal" (while the government reminds them that it is communal public domain). He added that when the river floods, "elle échappe à tout contrôle, et regrette que des personnes non identifiées arrachent les cultures récemment plantées" (it becomes uncontrollable, and he regrets that unidentified people tear up recently planted crops). Riverain residents contest that they only received compensation for crops, not for the land itself. Nshimirimana further requested "une intervention ferme de l’administration communale pour trancher définitivement l’affaire" (a firm intervention from the communal administration to definitively settle the matter).
Dam Project Compensation Issues
An awarded company distributed indemnities to local operators, according to officials. Jacques Hakizimana, chief of Rugunga hill, confirmed that the absence of global compensation for all impacted landowners fuels tensions, particularly when the Kajeke river floods. Hakizimana stated that during strong floods, "the Kajeke river widens like a lake and completely erases property boundaries. When the water recedes, farmers on both banks tend to extend their fields into the former riverbed, creating direct disputes between neighbors due to the disappearance of markers." This situation notes the challenges faced by residents. Local farmer Adèle Nizigiyimana found the received indemnity insufficient. Nizigiyimana noted that during floods, "work stops, then resumes as soon as the water recedes, with deviations then being amicably arranged between neighbors." She requested that "the government allow them to continue cultivating their land, even if it means returning the compensation received." The communal authority is currently seeking the company to identify the exact beneficiaries of the compensation.
Administrator's Promise of Resolution
Land disputes in Bubanza commune are attributed to recurrent floods from the Kajeke river and unresolved compensation issues related to a planned dam construction project. Sabbas Niyokindi, the communal administrator of Bubanza, confirmed that the government has planned this dam project. Niyokindi stated that a full regularization process will be completed before any work commences, aiming to ensure that each riverain resident has their rights restored transparently and proportionally to the size of their property. The objective of this process, according to Niyokindi, is to clearly distinguish between individuals who have received compensation and those who have not, thereby facilitating an equitable restoration of land rights for all affected parties. Niyokindi reiterated his assurance that the government will continue the dam project, emphasizing the importance of a clear and fair resolution for all residents.
