Faustin Ndikumana, the national director of the organization Parcem, has alleged a plot to silence him after a firearm and military effects were seized from a snack-bar he owns in Ngozi. The incident occurred in the Kinyami neighborhood, located in the chief town of Ngozi commune, Butanyerera province. The items seized included a Kalashnikov rifle, a grenade, a military uniform, and boots, found in a sack. Mr. Ndikumana stated that a perpetrator took advantage of a power outage to introduce the items into a corner typically reserved for charcoal storage. This discovery, made on the evening of May 17, 2026, quickly escalated into a significant public incident, drawing attention to Mr. Ndikumana's ongoing advocacy.
Mr. Ndikumana recounted that after customers left around 11:00 PM, the security guard inspected the premises and alerted the manager, who then contacted the police. Police arrived at approximately midnight. Ndikumana emphasized that his establishment is a public place with no special security measures. He asserted, "Faustin Ndikumana will never possess a firearm. My fight is known to all. It is through ideas, the strength of argument, and not the argument of force. My only weapons are intelligence, knowledge, national laws, and national policy documents." He maintained that his commitment to fighting for the rule of law, good governance, and the development of the country forms the core of his activism.
The Incident and Allegations
Six workers at a snack-bar owned by Faustin Ndikumana in Ngozi were arrested following an incident that occurred on the evening of May 17, 2026. Faustin Ndikumana, the national director of Parcem, stated that a plan was in place to falsely accuse him of illegal firearm possession. He reported repetitive power outages in the neighborhood for a week prior to the incident, describing these as unusual and suspicious given the circumstances that unfolded. Ndikumana claims a perpetrator took advantage of the darkness to place a Kalashnikov rifle, a grenade, military attire, and boots in a corner of the snack-bar. He further alleged that the perpetrator's intention was to alert the police for a dawn search, thereby catching him unawares and implicating him in a fabricated crime.
Ndikumana described the sequence of events, stating, "At the moment I was in contact with the general director of Regideso to resolve the problem, a wrongdoer took advantage of this darkness to enter and deposit a Kalashnikov rifle in a bag also containing a grenade, a military uniform, and boots, in a corner normally reserved for storing charcoal for cooking." He alleged the perpetrator was supposed to alert the police for a dawn search, aiming to create a scandal around his person. After clients left around 11 PM, security personnel inspected the premises and alerted the manager. Ndikumana recounted, "After the departure of clients around 11 PM, the security officer inspected the premises and immediately called the manager to explain the situation. The manager then called the police, who quickly intervened around midnight." The prompt action by his staff, he suggested, disrupted the alleged plot's original timing.
Ndikumana believes the six employees were arrested for alerting the police, an act he views as civic duty. He commented on their actions, saying, "They did exactly what a citizen should do in such circumstances. That is, call the police, alert them." He also clarified the nature of his establishment, stating, "It is normally a public place like a market or a shop. There are no special security measures." Ndikumana maintained his stance on firearms, asserting, "Faustin Ndikumana will never possess a firearm. My fight is known to all. It is through ideas, the strength of argument, and not the argument of force. My only weapons are intelligence, knowledge, national laws, and national policy documents." He added, "I remain standing because my struggle is noble. To fight for the rule of law, good governance, and the development of this country is a noble fight. These misguided spirits still in darkness, I invite them to rather see clearly. Otherwise, for the security and life of every citizen, only God knows." This statement showed his unwavering resolve in the face of what he considers an attempt to discredit him.
Official Response and Meeting
The administration subsequently ordered the closure of the snack-bar following the incident, a decision that further complicated the situation for Mr. Ndikumana and his employees. During the initial response, the provincial vice-commissioner of police and a judicial police officer were present at the scene, indicating the seriousness with which the authorities viewed the discovery. These officials drafted a report detailing their findings regarding the seized items, documenting the Kalashnikov rifle, grenade, military uniform, and boots found on the premises.
The matter was later addressed in a security meeting held on June 1, 2026. This meeting saw attendance from high-ranking officials, including the provincial governor of Butanyerera, as well as other relevant authorities, reflecting the importance of the issue to regional security. During the discussions, a police officer provided testimony concerning the events at the snack-bar. The officer confirmed that agents working at the snack-bar were the ones who alerted the police, requesting assistance after discovering the illicit items on the premises. This testimony corroborated Mr. Ndikumana's account of his staff's actions and their role in bringing the incident to light.
Ndikumana's Stance and Appeal
Faustin Ndikumana affirmed his commitment to his activism, stating, "Je reste debout parce que mon combat est noble. Lutter pour l’Etat de droit, la bonne gouvernance et le développement de ce pays, c’est un combat noble." This declaration, translated as "I remain standing because my struggle is noble. To fight for the rule of law, good governance, and the development of this country is a noble fight," noted his dedication to his principles despite the challenges. He emphasized that his advocacy was rooted in principles rather than force, reiterating his long-held belief in non-violent means. Ndikumana further clarified his methods, stating, "Faustin Ndikumana ne détiendra jamais d’arme de feu. Mon combat est connu de tous. C’est à travers les idées, la force de l’argument et non l’argument de la force. Mes seules armes sont l’intelligence, la connaissance, les lois nationales et les documents de politique nationale." This translates to: "Faustin Ndikumana will never possess a firearm. My fight is known to all. It is through ideas, the strength of argument, and not the argument of force. My only weapons are intelligence, knowledge, national laws, and national policy documents," reinforcing his public image as a civil society leader.
Mr. Ndikumana called upon high-ranking officials to address what he described as unlawful actions and to ensure justice prevails. He specifically appealed to the President of the Republic, the Minister of Justice, the Prosecutor General of the Republic, police cadres, and the national intelligence service to intervene against those he termed 'outlaws' who he believes are attempting to undermine his work and reputation. He also expressed gratitude to the police agents who responded to the incident, commending them for their professionalism and impartiality during their intervention, noting their adherence to proper procedure. Ndikumana noted the importance of institutional integrity, adding, "Dans pareilles circonstances, il est key de démontrer la capacité de nos institutions à défendre les valeurs républicaines qui sont la démocratie, les droits de l’Homme, l’état de droit et la justice." This statement, meaning "In such circumstances, it is key to demonstrate the capacity of our institutions to defend republican values which are democracy, human rights, the rule of law and justice," showed his belief in the fundamental principles of the state.
