President Évariste Ndayishimiye has directed the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) to recover all unpaid taxes from delinquent taxpayers within two weeks. The order, issued later on Tuesday, comes in the wake of a financial scandal involving the disappearance of over 110 billion BIF at the OBR, prompting widespread criticism of government inaction on corruption.
In a statement released by the Presidential Office, Ndayishimiye instructed the OBR to exercise full authority in recouping arrears before December 31. He warned of severe sanctions against those who fail to comply by the deadline. The president emphasized the urgency of addressing taxpayers’ resistance, described in an OBR report as a “standoff” with the agency.
The directive coincides with sweeping reforms within Burundi’s financial leadership. Earlier this month, Ndayishimiye appointed a new finance minister and OBR chief following revelations of mismanagement and a growing budget deficit at the country’s main revenue body.
This crackdown also requires all taxpayers to transition to electronic invoicing systems, aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency in tax collection.
Despite these measures, political leaders and civil society have criticized the president for what they call insufficient action in combating corruption and ensuring effective public resource management. Opposition leaders have labeled this move a reactionary step, urging more systemic reforms to tackle endemic corruption.
The crisis has already prompted cost-cutting measures, with then-Finance Minister Audace Niyonzima recently directing ministries to halt non-essential spending.
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