MURAMVYA, Dec 27 (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye held a four-hour public broadcast on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Royal Stadium in Muramvya (Central-East), Gitega Province, during which he answered various questions from journalists and the public.
The public broadcast by the Head of State was attended by government members, media representatives, various professionals working in different sectors, and citizens present at the event. While journalists and members of the public asked their questions in person, others had the opportunity to ask them by telephone from different provinces of the country, a check by ABP revealed.
Responding to journalists’ questions, the Head of State addressed the issue of agriculture. He indicated that one of the main current challenges lies in the increasing number of farmers without accurate data to assess the size of their farms. This situation, he explained, complicates the equitable distribution of available fertilizers. He also mentioned the existence of illegal practices, including the fraudulent export of fertilizers and their sale on the domestic market outside of legal channels.
President Ndayishimiye reassured farmers that all those who have paid and have receipts for their fertilizer arrears will receive their share, specifying that the regularization process is underway. He announced that in the coming days, fertilizer payments will be based on the actual area of cultivated land to ensure fair distribution.
Regarding cross-border trade affected by border closures, particularly at the Gatumba border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr. Ndayishimiye acknowledged the economic losses. He stressed, however, that the protection of national life and security takes precedence over economic considerations, reiterating that this measure was taken for security reasons.
Addressing the issue of development, the Head of State emphasized the need to establish industrial processing units within the country to reduce imports of products that can be manufactured locally. He indicated that this policy aims to boost the national economy, particularly through the exploitation and processing of more than forty types of minerals already identified in various regions of Burundi.
On the security front, President Ndayishimiye stated that Burundi has no plans to attack Rwanda, while acknowledging that Burundi faces threats emanating from that country. He requested that individuals considered perpetrators of criminal acts and harboured abroad be handed over to Burundian authorities. He specified that he had discussed this matter with the Rwandan President, who had reportedly given him assurances, although these have not yet been implemented.
Regarding Burundian professionals working abroad, particularly in the education and health sectors, the Head of State stated that their departure represents a significant loss for the country. He called upon Burundian intellectuals to demonstrate patriotism and to become more involved in national development.
Concerning the country’s administrative organization, he noted that Gitega is the political capital of Burundi, while Bujumbura remains the economic capital, encompassing the communes of Ntahangwa, Mukaza, and Muha. The commune of Gitega is the headquarters of Gitega Province.
Speaking on the issue of the recovery of embezzled public funds, he indicated that those who have not voluntarily repaid these funds are now subject to legal proceedings. He announced that the amounts already recovered by the Public Treasury total 9,855,503,930 Burundi francs (BIF), $233,067, and €69,950.
Regarding cash crops, he affirmed that the State continues to support producers, citing the example of tea farmers who have recently received an increase in their bonuses as an incentive.
Concerning employees who worked for CNAC Murima w’Isangi, the President of the Republic stated that anyone who has performed work must be compensated. He gave the same response to former BNUB employees, who have been demanding their salaries for nineteen years, specifying that their situation is known and that a solution is being considered.
On the issue of harmonizing salaries in certain state-owned enterprises, which are not yet aligned with the equitable salary policy applied in ministries, the Head of State indicated that he has already provided guidance. He invited the employees concerned to recalculate their salaries based on the scales established by the relevant ministry.
The public broadcast concluded with President Ndayishimiye expressing his gratitude, praising the quality of the discussions with journalists and citizens, and highlighting their active participation through the questions asked and the responses provided.