Burundi man found hanged, neighbours suspect murder
Emmanuel Barahinduka, 52, was discovered on Sunday, October 25, in Gitega province, with residents demanding an independent investigation.
The body of 52-year-old Emmanuel Barahinduka was found hanging in his home on Mugaruro hill, Gishubi commune, Gitega province, on Sunday, October 25. While the local administrator suggested suicide, many residents dispute this, suspecting foul play and calling for an independent inquiry into the circumstances of his death.
Witnesses reported Barahinduka was found suspended by a rope from his house's rafters, but the motives remain unclear. The Mugaruro hill chief, Emmanuel Ntandikiye, stated it was a suicide, a claim rejected by residents who believe he may have been killed before being hanged. These residents mentioned potential land disputes as a possible motive, though they provided no public evidence linking them to the death.
This incident follows the death of 43-year-old Félix Nsabimana on October 15 in the same commune, who died after a grenade explosion at his home. SOS Médias Burundi has recorded approximately 100 deaths in Gitega province since the start of 2026, raising security concerns and calls for thorough investigations.
Why it mattersResidents of Gitega province are concerned about unexplained deaths and demand independent investigations into suspicious circumstances.