Burundi probes Rwandan bodies found in Lake
Burundi has set up an investigation after a number of dead bodies wrapped in plastic were found floating in a lake on its border with Rwanda.
Fishermen say there are reports of dozens of unidentified bodies being spotted in recent weeks in Lake Rweru.
It is not clear how they died. The regional authorities say their investigations indicate the victims were not from Burundi.
But Rwanda police say no-one has been reported missing on the Rwandan side.
”The victims are not Burundian citizens because the bodies are coming from Akagera River flowing from Rwanda,” Burundian official, Jean Berchmans Mpabansi, told the BBC.
The latest bodies – five wrapped within two plastic bags – were discovered on Sunday and Monday.
Two other bodies were found last Tuesday.
Villagers in Giteranyi district, which borders the lake, say the bodies first began appearing in July – with some saying up to 40 have been spotted.
The BBC’s Prime Ndikumagenge in Burundi says most of the bodies have been wrapped in plastic, but one fisherman said that not all of them have been – giving the example of a naked woman who was found.
The bodies are often discovered in an advanced stage of decomposition, prompting health fears as villagers in the semi-arid province of Muyingai depend on the lake for their water, he says.
“But Rwanda police say no-one has been reported missing on the Rwandan side”… seriously, this is the best excuse they cancome up with this time?!! Everyone knows (even the international community as previously reported by HRW) about the disappearance of our beloved ones. All these people have been reported missing and now the so called police have the audacity to give such a response?!!! Mana tabara uRwanda.
I’m sure that all these killed people are from Rwanda. Please check if your fiend or brother is still alive. Many prisoners have been killed these days. And remember, DMI is kidnapping may people throughout Rwanda. Each day, there too many people missing. Do you think the Kame regime will accept the origin of the bodies? Never. We are facing a criminal in our Rwanda. Stand up for your rights please.
Alice
the way I see it, Rwanda is still possessed by the same demons that brought madness we faced 20 years ago, only that its in different forms and working through people in what might seem different to some people. Sometimes when one sits back and ponders on thoughts of what we often say or perceive ourselves Rwandans as a people and culture to be, it seems to be just so bloody and full of deception! As a young Rwandan, I keep wondering of who we are and have became. Is this madness what should really distinguish us as a people or culture?!! Its sometimes hard to be rpoud of being Rwandan with all this things that still go on to this day. We need to realise that every single life needs to be respected and protected, there are certainly better ways to bring harmony without always leaving wounds into souls and hearts of people who loose their loved ones killed by their fellow brothers and sisters.