As Burundi marked Taxpayer Day on December 2, 2024, residents of Burundi’s economic capital Bujumbura have expressed frustration over the perceived lack of benefits from the taxes and levies they pay. Many claim the funds are misused by authorities and fail to translate into meaningful improvements in their lives.
“We do our best to pay taxes, but we, the taxpayers, gain nothing in return.” Another criticized the extravagant spending by government officials: “Leaders use taxpayers’ money to buy luxury vehicles worth 500 to 600 million Burundian francs while citizens live in unprecedented poverty. This needs to change,” a resident from Burundi’s economic capital Bujumbura said.
The rising cost of living is also linked to alleged economic mismanagement. “The funds collected from hardworking taxpayers are being misused, and the consequences always fall on the population,” another citizen said, questioning the purpose of paying taxes under such conditions.
Jean Claude Manirakiza, Commissioner General of Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR), highlighted several challenges affecting tax collection. These include foreign currency shortages, fuel scarcity, and widespread tax evasion.
“There are traders who smuggle goods into the country without customs clearance,” Manirakiza said, pointing to cases of tampered tax machines and complicity among customs agents and tax advisors who facilitate fraud.
“We’ve discovered groups that hack our billing systems and advisors who fail to perform their duties properly. We are working to combat these issues,” he said.
Local organization PARCEM has said that this year’s Taxpayer Day comes as the government grapples with a deficit exceeding 110 billion Burundian francs. Faustin Ndikumana, the organization’s leader, stressed the need for transparency, tax utility, and civic responsibility.
“The government must analyze whether the fiscal problem stems from economic conditions, tax structure, poor management, or corruption,” Ndikumana said, urging reforms to ensure taxpayers see tangible benefits from their contributions.
Burundi Finance Minister Audace Niyonzima emphasized the importance of collective effort to overcome the country’s economic challenges. He urged citizens to engage in income-generating activities to boost national revenue.
“We must harness the country’s potential for a better future. OBR must remain vigilant and tackle tax evasion with determination,” Niyonzima said, promising solutions to address the existing shortcomings.
The concerns raised by citizens underscore the urgent need for fiscal reforms and greater accountability to rebuild trust between taxpayers and the government.
OBR boss Jean Claude Manirakiza: “There are traders who smuggle goods into the country without customs clearance”
Leave a comment