Some residents of Buramba Village, located in Kavomo Cell, Nyundo Sector, Rubavu District, say they have recently been invaded by a group calling themselves Abanjongo from Kivumu Sector in Rutsiro District, who have come to illegally mine a precious mineral called Beleri.
The locals say they were unaware that their lands contained such valuable resources and were shocked to see this group take over their fields, digging forcefully and aggressively. Anyone who dared to question them was reportedly threatened or mistreated.
Jean de Dieu Niyigena, the village leader of Buramba, described the situation as chaotic:
“It’s been total disorder. We face constant attacks from people coming from Kivumu and Nyamyumba sectors. They destroy citizens’ farmland without any benefit to the owners. After they mine, they leave the land barren.”
Some of the landowners say since discovering that their land holds minerals, they’ve lived in fear and sleeplessness.
Beatrice Nyiramagambo said:
“These minerals have brought us nothing but a curse. We can’t sleep anymore. We’re supposed to be working, but we stay here watching over our fields so they don’t light fires in them.”
Leonard Ntawurengumunsi added:
“They come in like an armed gang—strong men with machetes, picks, and sticks. If you’re the landowner, they’ll chase you away while digging up your property, and you’re not allowed to talk.”
Beyond digging up fields, the group has also begun tunneling near people’s homes, leaving them at risk of collapsing. One resident, Ladislas Ngezenubwo, reported that his house is now in danger of caving in.
Locals familiar with Abanjongo say the group has long been engaged in illegal mining, and they call on security forces to intervene or even relocate residents so they can live in peace.
They add that reporting the group is pointless, as they operate like a militia, intimidating anyone who dares to speak.
“Even if some get arrested, by the next morning they’re back. It’s like dealing with terrorists.”
When contacted, Western Province Governor Jean Bosco Ntibitura said he was not yet aware of the situation but promised to follow it up with local authorities to ensure these thugs no longer terrorize the population.
Illegal mining has become a growing national security issue, as many unlicensed operators mine recklessly, sometimes causing fatal accidents.
