Judicial year opens : corruption, pressure, and precarious conditions at the heart of judges’ concerns

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, August 28, 2025 — As the judicial year approaches, Supreme Court President Gamaliel Nkurunziza brought together the presidents of several courts and tribunals on Wednesday for a discussion session on major challenges facing the Burundian justice system : corruption, political pressure, a climate of fear among some judges, and precarious working conditions.

Some judges are themselves being prosecuted for corruption, a situation that fuels public outrage and tarnishes the image of the judicial system. “It is difficult to talk about a vision for Burundi if the justice system continues to render its decisions under the current conditions,” warned a judge present.

Others pointed to the non-enforcement of certain laws, attributed either to ignorance or willful laissez-faire, jeopardizing the objectives of good governance and development.

Pressure and intimidation

The climate of insecurity and political pressure were also denounced. Some judges are subjected to acts of “judicial terrorism” that hamper their impartiality. “We do our best to clear the files, but sometimes we are forced to act differently,” confided one magistrate.

Working conditions and skills development

Participants called for the improvement of living and working conditions, as well as for ongoing training. President Nkurunziza assured that the State was working to review these conditions, while emphasizing the individual responsibility of each magistrate : “Corruption is more a bad habit than a necessity.”

He also called on the Anti-Corruption Court to target the “big fish” and warned against using political pressure as a pretext for professional misconduct.

Restoring public trust

This meeting highlighted the weaknesses of the Burundian judicial system and the need to restore public trust through a justice system that is honest, independent, and competent, and serves the public interest.