NTAHANGWA, Sept 29 (ABP) – The president of the Republic of Burundi and Supreme Magistrate, Evariste Ndayishimiye, officially launched the 2025-2026 judicial year on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the National Assembly Palace in Kigobe, under the theme: “An independent justice system, based on well-decided and timely-executed trials, will contribute to achieving Burundi’s vision.”
During the ceremony, the Attorney General of the Republic, Léonard Manirakiza, stated that the theme chosen for this judicial year is timely, as it aligns with the country’s vision: to become an emerging nation by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.
Attorney General Manirakiza further emphasized that, to achieve this national vision, the public prosecutor’s office has to make sure that the judiciary does not lag behind in development, nor become an obstacle, but rather contribute to progress by rendering fair and swift judgments and ensuring prompt execution of court decisions.
He mentioned several obstacles that delay trials, including judges who deliver unjust verdicts, poorly drafted case files, and losing parties who file appeals without valid reasons. On this point, Manirakiza noted that when the population spends too much time in court, it hinders national and family development, as this time should instead be dedicated to self-improvement and national progress. He added that initiating a lawsuit requires substantial resources, and at times, litigants spend more than they claim, which results in loss.
Manirakiza urged judges to enforce the law by requiring the losing party to pay the legal fees of the winning party. He also condemned those who fail to respond to the first summons and wait until the third, which, according to him, is punishable under the penal code.
The Attorney General of the Republic called on Burundians to avoid unnecessary and unproductive litigation so that truth may prevail and individuals may live from the fruits of their labor. He asked judges and prosecutors to adhere to this year’s theme by delivering fair and swift judgments and conducting thorough investigations to establish the truth.
Regarding the accomplishments of the previous judicial year, the Attorney General stated that the results were satisfactory, despite existing challenges. According to him, within the public prosecutor’s office, 19,549 out of 27,221 cases were closed, which represents 72%. He also said that inspections of police cells across the country led to the partial release of 7,509 detainees whose cases had not yet reached the courts.
He further recalled that under Presidential Decree No. 100/136 of October 30, 2024, which granted a presidential pardon, the President of the Republic launched the campaign at Muramvya central prison, where 5,482 inmates were released. Subsequently, prisons across the country were inspected, and lists of beneficiaries of the presidential pardon were drawn up, including at Mpimba central prison in July 2025, where 106 prisoners were also released. For those not yet included, he added, the lists are still being compiled.
Despite this progress, Attorney General Manirakiza highlighted several challenges: a shortage of staff, outdated equipment and vehicles, as well as the misconduct of certain judges, who were sanctioned accordingly. He also listed the most frequent crimes over the past year: aggravated theft, traffic accidents, fraud, forgery, rape, domestic violence, and human trafficking, among others. To address these issues, he announced that the judiciary would hold sessions to study the root causes of these crimes and propose solutions.
For the new judicial year, the Attorney General encouraged judges to work diligently to surpass previous results, reminding them that the judiciary’s role in national development is irreplaceable.
On his turn, the President of the Supreme Court, Gamaliel Nkurunziza, lamented that many competent judges and magistrates leave their positions for other sectors due to low salaries. According to him, this is a major loss for the justice system, and some resort to corruption for the same reason. He urged the state to find a solution to this issue, which weakens the sector.
Concerning the role of justice in achieving the national vision, Nkurunziza emphasized that well and promptly decided trials allow citizens to focus on development instead of wasting time in court. He added that quick and credible judgments build trust among national and international investors, which attracts capital and industries, thereby contributing to the country’s progress.
Speaking next, the President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, congratulated the judiciary for the achievements of the past year. He encouraged them to correct the errors that were observed. He asked them to refer to this year’s theme in carrying out their duties. He reminded them that if justice is not free and trials are poorly decided, it will be difficult to achieve the national vision, as the population will not have enough time to focus on development activities.
President Ndayishimiye also called on the judiciary to honor its mission by committing to it fully. He assured that the reported challenges have been heard and that the state will do its best to address them.
Regarding magistrates who leave their positions due to what they consider low salaries, he stated that this is shameful because, in his view, one must be willing to sacrifice for the country rather than work like mercenaries. “Justice has no price,” he insisted. Finally, he congratulated the magistrates who worked during the judicial holidays, praising their dedication and the public’s appreciation. He called for this example to be replicated throughout the entire judiciary for the good of the country.