MUKAZA, July 25 (ABP) – The minister of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security, Martin Niteretse; the minister of Finance, Nestor Ntahontuye; and the minister of Justice, Domine Banyankimbona, met on Tuesday, July 22 in Bujumbura with provincial governors, judicial officials, senior officers of the national police, and representatives of the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR). The aim of the meeting was to assess the progress made on the recommendations from their December 2024 meeting on eradicating fraud, particularly tax fraud, an onsite check by ABP has revealed.
The minister of finance, Nestor Ntahontuye, praised the progress achieved since December 2024, highlighting a notable increase in tax revenues. He stated that monthly collection rates reached 98.7% in December, 105% in January 2025, 87% in February, 101% in March, 97% in April, 104% in May, and 105% in June. He emphasized that the annual average, standing at 101.5%, exceeds initial forecasts. He stressed the need to expand the use of electronic invoicing machines to further improve VAT collection.
Governors acknowledged this progress but also pointed out the continued existence of fraudulent practices, especially in sectors such as maize, beans, coffee, and minerals. They noted that several strategies have been implemented to address the issue: raising public awareness, mobilizing security forces and local authorities on trade regulations, building trust to encourage whistleblowing, and setting up monitoring committees to detect and follow up on fraud cases. They also called for exemplary sanctions and expedited judicial procedures in cases of flagrant offenses.
Georges Bigirimana, deputy general commissioner of the OBR, mentioned the shortage of personnel in his institution, which has only 1,200 agents to cover the entire national territory. He stressed the need to strengthen collaboration between the OBR, the administration, the justice system, and the police to make the fight against fraud more effective.
The Prosecutor General of the Republic, Léonard Manirakiza, proposed going beyond traditional sanctions by including, in addition to prison sentences and fines, moral and material compensation to be paid by fraudsters.
The minister of justice, Domine Banyankimbona, emphasized the need for a change in the behavior of magistrates in handling fraud-related cases. She also proposed that the budget law be translated into Kirundi and widely distributed, to improve understanding among traders and other stakeholders.
In conclusion, the Minister of the Interior congratulated all involved institutions for the results achieved. However, he reminded that the fight against fraud is a national priority; as such practices harm the economy and jeopardize the realization of Burundi’s 2040-2060 vision. He called for stricter enforcement of economic offenses, which should no longer be treated as minor infractions. He finally urged all actors to join forces to ensure a broader tax base and sustainable public investment.