Authorities have launched an investigation into the death of Bruce Sebanza, who died on 13 October 2026 inside the offices of the Agence de développement du Burundi (ADB) in Bujumbura. Officials confirmed the incident occurred at the agency's premises, prompting an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death. Investigative efforts are currently focused on the Bujumbura facility to determine the sequence of events leading to the fatality. No further details regarding the cause of death have been released by the agency at this time.
Witness Accounts of Distress
Individuals present near the premises reported hearing cries of distress from Bruce Sebanza during the night of 12 to 13 October 2026. These accounts suggest that audible signs of struggle or pain occurred at the Agence de développement du Burundi (ADB) offices in Bujumbura shortly before the death was confirmed. Investigators are now reviewing these witness reports as part of the broader inquiry into the timeline of events. The testimonies indicate that the sounds emerged from within the facility during the overnight hours leading into 13 October. Authorities continue to examine these claims to clarify the conditions surrounding the fatality inside the building.
Alleged Involvement of Officials
Witnesses claim that Révérien Nizigiyimana, the Director General of the Agence de développement du Burundi (ADB), arrived at the scene of the death at approximately 5:00 AM on 13 October 2026. These accounts place the official at the Bujumbura facility shortly after the overnight period when others reported hearing distress.
Separately, a witness reported that Révérien Nizigiyimana contacted a member of the Service National de Renseignement (SNR) at 7:30 AM on 13 October 2026. Investigators are currently reviewing these claims regarding the involvement of agency leadership and their communication with intelligence officials during the morning hours following the death of Bruce Sebanza. Authorities have not yet confirmed the nature of these reported movements or the subsequent phone call.
History of Legal Conflict
Bruce Sebanza was imprisoned for several months in 2025 following a complaint filed by Révérien Nizigiyimana regarding an alleged signature forgery. This legal dispute preceded the events of 13 October 2026 at the Agence de développement du Burundi (ADB) offices.
Mgr Martin Blaise Nyaboho, president of the Commission nationale indépendante des droits de l’homme (CNIDH), visited the ADB offices on 16 October 2026 to conduct an investigation into the death. Following this site visit, the CNIDH transmitted the case file to the judicial police of Bujumbura to facilitate further legal processing.
Family members and officials have scheduled the burial of Bruce Sebanza for 21 October 2026. No autopsy is currently planned in relation to the investigation into his death.