Opposition party CODEBU on Friday urged the Burundian government to focus on ensuring the availability of high-revenue-generating products, such as fuel and Brarudi beverages, to bolster national income amidst the country’s worsening economic crisis, according to local broadcaster RT Isanganiro.
This call comes in the wake of President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s decision on Thursday to dismiss Jean Claude Manirakiza, the former head of the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR). He was replaced by Emmanuel Mbonihankuye, a move that coincides with the government’s efforts to attract foreign investors at a two-day roundtable in the country’s economic capital Bujumbura aimed at reviving the struggling economy.
While no official reason was provided for Manirakiza’s removal, speculation points to OBR’s recent failure to meet its tax revenue targets. Last week, Finance Minister Audace Niyonzima announced a significant shortfall of over BIF 1.10 billion in just four months. He attributed the deficit to fraudulent activities within OBR and collusion between certain agents and taxpayers.
Kefa Nibizi, Chairman of the CODEBU party, believes that simply replacing leaders is not enough. He pointed to deeper systemic issues, such as underperformance in key revenue sectors, tax evasion by influential traders, unauthorized exemptions, and ineffective use of revenue collection software. Nibizi emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive economic reforms to address stagnation and avert further crises.
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