SUMMARY

In late 1997, a group led by a former CNDD fighter known as "Benjamin" carried out a series of attacks on civilians in Cibitoke Province, northwestern Burundi. The group, often referred to as the "Benjamin group," emerged after Benjamin reportedly stole weapons from the CNDD and began operating independently. The violence took place within the broader context of the Burundian civil war.

CNDD-Benjamin employed tactics including night raids on villages, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and killings of unarmed civilians. These incidents involved the use of firearms and machetes. The group typically operated in hit-and-run style raids, withdrawing into the Kibira Forest after attacks.

All reported incidents of one-sided violence by CNDD-Benjamin took place in Burundi’s Cibitoke Province, specifically in the communes of Murwi, Mabayi, Buganda, and surrounding areas.

CNDD-Benjamin first became active in 1997. On 17 November it was reported that the group was responsible for the killing of 50 civilians in Cibitoke since last month.