GITEGA, Feb 21 (ABP) – Military personnel who are members of the Savings, Credit and Development Cooperative (CECADM) say they are satisfied with the level of development achieved by this institution as well as with the quality of services offered to its members, while acknowledging the existence of certain challenges that need improvement.
They expressed these views on Monday, February 16, 2026, during a meeting organized by the leaders of the CECADM for its members serving in the second military region (second infantry division), based in Gitega (political capital and center of Burundi), with the aim of assessing the cooperative’s progress and gathering members’ concerns and suggestions.
During the discussions, some members raised concerns related to electronic money transfer operations, notably cases where withdrawals are made from an account to mobile money services. Sometimes, they complained, the amount does not reach the mobile phone even though the withdrawal has been made from the account.
On this matter, Colonel Ninteretse Padon, chairman of the Board of Directors of the CECADM, reassured them that such situations may occur, but that the person concerned is invited to go to the nearest branch to receive assistance and reimbursement.
He also explained that, in an effort to further facilitate access to financial services, the CECADM is establishing partnerships with other banks and microfinance institutions using modern money transfer technologies, such as Bancobu e-noti, CECM Akaravyo, Cashtel and others, in order to avoid long journeys to make withdrawals.
Participants also requested the installation of automated teller machines in various strategic locations, notably in the markets of the city of Bujumbura, in Ngozi, in Gitega and elsewhere, in order to facilitate access to cash.
Colonel Ninteretse indicated that this project had indeed been planned, but that the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) has suspended those who have not installed these tools, while specifying that there is World Bank funding aimed at facilitating interbank transactions, notably through automated teller machines.
He nevertheless reassured them that portable ATMs are currently undergoing a testing phase before their large-scale deployment.
The widows of military members of the CECADM also requested access to credit. The CECADM officials indicated that the matter has not yet been decided, but that it will be examined and that an official response will be communicated to them.
Regarding the request from some military personnel wishing to benefit from agricultural loans, particularly for the purchase of fertilizers, Colonel Ninteretse advised them to form cooperatives in order to benefit from CECADM support, emphasizing that development is faster when it is collective.
On that basis, Mr. Ninteretse urged CECADM members to carefully study the projects for which they are seeking loans, stressing that the cooperative does not appreciate seeing projects abandoned during implementation due to a lack of preparation.
Presenting the cooperative’s development prospects, Lieutenant-Colonel Nduwayezu Léonidas indicated that the CECADM plans to continue installing solar panels in all its branches, complete the construction of a school of excellence in Songa, in Gitega province, a project already launched, as well as the construction of a referral hospital in the region, a pharmaceutical factory and an insurance company, Umuheto.
He also mentioned the development of the site dedicated to the monument of the unknown soldier, investment in the purchase of land in different cities of the country, as well as the continuation of service digitalization, notably through the “Umwampi” platform, the cooperative’s website and online loan applications.
Finally, according to Nduwayezu, the CECADM plans to build a building housing an insurance service, a pharmaceutical depot and other strategic projects, as well as the establishment of wholesale pharmacies, in order to facilitate access to medicines for its members.