In his recent address during a New Year’s celebration with natives of the newly established Gitega Province, President Evariste Ndayishimiye raised concerns about inefficiencies within certain government ministries, particularly the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The president suggested that some ministries are failing to serve the public as expected and proposed reducing the number of them to improve governance and economic stability.
Ndayishimiye highlighted the lack of tangible benefits provided by ministries such as Commerce and ICT, citing the Ministry of Commerce as a prime example. “The Ministry of Commerce has not been of any benefit to the people. If it were abolished, no one would lose anything,” he said. The president also criticized the ICT ministry, pointing to a disconnect between its leadership and the country’s telecom infrastructure, despite widespread access to mobile networks. “The ministry does not seem to be aware of the advantages these services provide,” he added.
In advocating for a streamlined government, Ndayishimiye compared Burundi’s system to that of the United States, which operates efficiently with fewer than 20 ministries (departments). “Why can’t Burundi do the same, especially when we only need about five key ministries?” he questioned.
The president’s proposed restructuring aims to free up funds from underperforming ministries and redirect them to more critical sectors. He suggested that increasing the salaries of public servants, including teachers, doctors, soldiers, police officers, and judges, would help improve social stability in the country. Expressing frustration with the low wages in these vital sectors, Ndayishimiye argued that funds should be reallocated from non-essential ministries to provide better compensation for these essential workers.
Simeon Barumwete, a university lecturer and political expert, echoed Ndayishimiye’s sentiment, stressing the importance of good governance. Speaking to local broadcaster Isanganiro, Barumwete said: “All ministries should aim to effectively implement their projects and duties, but this requires prior consultation and agreement with all stakeholders involved in these tasks.”
“The government is not the only entity operating in the country; many groups are working toward the well-being of Burundians. When ministries engage in consultation and decision-making with these groups, the government benefits from valuable expertise, ensuring better organization and decision-making.”
Barumwete added, however, that in the current unprecedented economic crisis, the government must focus on providing solutions to the problems Burundians face, rather than placing blame. “What Burundians need is a quick resolution to the economic and political challenges,” he emphasized.
He called on the government to take bold action in addressing these challenges and allow relevant institutions, such as the National Assembly and non-profit organizations, to monitor the government’s activities without unnecessary interference. He also urged the leadership to meet with ministers in the Council of Ministers to discuss issues, provide feedback, and establish clear directives for each sector. “If anyone fails to understand or execute the given direction, they should be replaced with individuals who can listen to the country’s leadership,” Barumwete concluded.
Moïse Ndayiragije contributed reporting
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