Burundi: senators doubtful about the granting of “gigantic” funds to ministries

During an oral question session of parliamentarians in the political capital Gitega (central Burundi), the Minister of Finance mainly faced questions related to the 2024-2025 budget. Senators spoke of not understanding the allocation of funds that they described as gigantic to certain ministries, as well as a section of several hundred million Burundian francs allocated to “the maintenance of a presidential plane which ‘does not exist”.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The finance minister was to answer questions from senators about the law establishing the budget of the Republic of Burundi for the 2024-2025 financial year.

Senators expressed their incomprehension at the increase in operating costs in favor of certain ministries to the detriment of investments.

“Explain to us how the budget of the Ministry of Public Health and the fight against HIV/AIDS increased from 250 million to more than 5 billion Burundian francs,” demanded the honorable Jean Bosco Barutwanayo.

Other ministries whose budgets raised worries among Burundian senators include those of the Interior, External Relations and planning. Their budget increased respectively from 134 million to one billion, from 93 to 336 million and from 110 to 290 million Burundian francs.

Funds for a fictional plane

In the new budget law, the item for the maintenance of a presidential plane has again been provided. Some senators did not hide their disapproval.

“Every year this item for the maintenance of the presidential jet comes back even though it has never taken off. Not a single day. Where does this money go?” asked Jean Bosco Barutwanayo.

Minister Audace Niyonzima indicated that the funds were increased for, among other things, travel allowances for doctors, the recruitment of new members of the nursing staff and field trip costs for other ministries.

Ex-SOGESTAL Kirimiro still in question

Employees of the defunct company SOGESTAL (Coffee Washing Station Management Company) – Kirimiro were also debated on. This concerns 17 months of salary arrears that they are demanding after the company’s bankruptcy.

The minister promised to submit the question of SOGESTAL – Kirimiro personnel to the Council of Ministers.

“The investigation has been closed. Three billion must be released,” he said.

For the presidential jet, Audace Niyonzima gave the same explanations as President Neva.

“Even if it does not work, the Burundian government must continue to pay maintenance and parking costs for its plane” which remains grounded for several years.

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Senators during the oral questions session for the Minister in charge of Finance Audace Niyonzima, DR