President Evariste Ndayishimiye has called for a unified effort among all Burundians to combat corruption, describing it as a significant threat to the nation’s economy and social fabric. The President made this appeal on Friday during a two-day retreat organized by the Office of the State Inspector General at the presidential palace in Kiriri, aimed at developing a national anti-corruption strategy.
During his address, President Ndayishimiye emphasized the need for collective responsibility, stating, “A synergy among all Burundians is necessary to fight against corruption. We must do this together. Don’t say, ‘Neva [nickname for President Ndayishimiye], go fight corruption alone.’ If someone refuses to join this battle, then we will say, ‘Oh, you are one of those protecting corruption.’” He urged citizens to respect national laws, which he described as the foundation of good governance, and to uphold the privilege of public service with integrity.
The retreat brought together key stakeholders in the fight against corruption, including government officials, civil society organizations, and public institutions. State Inspector General Elysé Ndaye acknowledged the ongoing challenges, noting that corruption remains a reality in Burundi, with related offenses continuing to threaten the implementation of vital development projects.
Quoted by Burundi’s public broadcaster, Ndaye emphasized that the retreat provided an essential platform to reflect on effective measures to curb corruption. Participants were presented with detailed reports on the Burundian government’s commitment and achievements in the fight against corruption, highlighting the establishment of multiple national and international legal frameworks to combat corruption efficiently.
In its ongoing effort to promote transparency and good governance, the Burundian government has undertaken several initiatives, including the digitization of public services and the strengthening of institutional frameworks. Additionally, the government has developed numerous legal instruments to combat corruption both nationally and internationally, reinforcing its commitment to eradicating the vice.
The retreat also explored the pivotal roles of civil society and public institutions in the anti-corruption campaign. Participants engaged in discussions on fostering greater collaboration and accountability within these sectors.
President Ndayishimiye underscored the importance of safeguarding the nation’s resources, saying, “We must fight corruption to protect what we have and strive for what we don’t have yet. Even if we create small committees or other structures, we must do it with the understanding that we are fighting corruption.” He also called for strategic organization at the provincial level to ensure efficient governance and resource management.
The call for unity was echoed by PARCEM, a local civil society organization, which praised the initiative as an avenue for honest debate on corruption. During the celebration of the International Day of Social Justice on Thursday, PARCEM stated, “This retreat on the fight against corruption organized by the Burundian government could allow for an honest debate on the issue of corruption, as it helps to strengthen social justice.”
According to the Corruption Perceptions Index, the leading global indicator of public sector corruption, Burundi scored 17 in 2024, marking a decline of three points from 2023. This positions the country at 165 out of 180 countries, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive anti-corruption measures.
The two-day retreat at the presidential palace in Kiriri is expected to conclude with strategic recommendations for a national anti-corruption framework emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
Moïse Ndayiragije contributed reporting
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