Five men received life imprisonment sentences on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, for the assassination of 60-year-old Longin Nahimana. The High Court of Bugendana delivered its verdict in Gitega province, Burundi, following Nahimana's murder by throat-slitting on the night of August 7, 2026. His body was discovered on the Carire hill in the commune of Bugendana, where the brutal crime had taken place. In total, seven individuals were prosecuted in connection with the case, facing various charges related to the incident that shocked the local community.
Sentencing Details and Motive
The five men sentenced to life imprisonment were identified as Oscar Nshimirimana, Édouard Ntakarutimana, Daniel Sindakira, Salvator Bigirimana, and Cyriaque Twagirayezu. These individuals not only faced the grave charges but also admitted to the facts presented in court during the proceedings. Their admission provided key insight into the motive behind the heinous act. They stated their motive for the murder, explaining that Longin Nahimana regularly prevented them from stealing from households on Carire hill. According to their testimony, the men declared, "They say they wanted to silence the one who opposed their thefts," indicating a premeditated act aimed at eliminating an obstacle to their criminal activities. The court heard detailed accounts of how Nahimana's consistent vigilance had thwarted their attempts at theft, leading to their decision to murder him. The severity of the sentences reflects the gravity of the crime and the court's stance against such acts of violence, especially those targeting individuals who stand up against criminal behavior in their communities.
The prosecution also detailed the involvement of two women in the case, noting their role as accomplices after the fact. These women, Menedore Niyokwizera and Rose Hakizimana, were accused of hiding the alleged perpetrators' blood-stained clothes after the assassination. This act was deemed key in attempting to conceal evidence of the crime. Both women also admitted to these facts before the court during the proceedings, acknowledging their actions in aiding the principal offenders. Their admissions were considered by the court in determining their sentences, which were distinct from those of the five men directly responsible for the murder.
Broader Provincial Context
The murder and subsequent convictions occur within a troubling backdrop of insecurity in Gitega province. The region has experienced a significant increase in violence, with a dozen people killed or found dead in Gitega province since July 26, 2026. This pattern of violence suggests a broader challenge to public safety and order in the area. The province is frequently listed among areas in Burundi where assassinations, disappearances, and discoveries of dead bodies are reported, indicating a persistent problem that extends beyond isolated incidents. The human rights organization, League Iteka, has specifically classified Gitega among the provinces most affected by human rights violations within the country. These incidents contribute to a broader pattern of insecurity observed in the region, raising concerns among residents and human rights advocates alike. The current case, involving the murder of Longin Nahimana, shows the urgent need for addressing the underlying causes of violence and strengthening law enforcement efforts in the province. The judicial process in this particular case, culminating in life sentences for the perpetrators, sends a clear message about accountability for serious crimes.
Court's Verdict and Damages
The High Court of Bugendana, in delivering its full verdict, ordered the five men sentenced to life imprisonment—Oscar Nshimirimana, Édouard Ntakarutimana, Daniel Sindakira, Salvator Bigirimana, and Cyriaque Twagirayezu—to each pay 10 million Burundian francs in damages. This financial penalty is intended to provide restitution to the victim's family, acknowledging the profound loss and suffering caused by the assassination. The court also addressed the cases of Menedore Niyokwizera and Rose Hakizimana, who were prosecuted for complicity in the murder of Longin Nahimana. These two women received sentences of six months in prison and were each fined 50,000 Burundian francs. Their involvement, as established by the prosecution and admitted by the women themselves, stemmed from accusations of hiding blood-stained clothes belonging to the perpetrators after the assassination, an act that constituted an attempt to obstruct justice. The five men had earlier admitted to the facts, stating their motive was to "silence the one who opposed their thefts," a confession that played a significant role in the court's determination of their guilt and the severe penalties imposed. The verdict aims to ensure that all individuals involved in the crime, whether directly or indirectly, are held accountable for their actions.