Vumbi : the detention of a financial manager plunges the health district into crisis

Since December 2024, Marc Nduwamahoro, financial director of the Vumbi health district, located in Kirundo province (northern Burundi), has been in detention. This situation has serious consequences for the functioning of the district and arouses strong anger among employees.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to local sources, Mr. Nduwamahoro has been detained since December 15, 2024. He and his neighbor are accused of being involved in a murder case.

“They were arrested after the discovery of a body not far from their residence. The police arrested them on the basis of suspicions concerning their involvement in this crime,” police sources told SOS Médias Burundi.

A paralyzed district

Since the arrest of its financial manager, administration and financial activities of the Vumbi health district have been virtually at a standstill. Employees have still not received their December 2024 salaries. This situation has led to deep discontent among staff.

“We have not yet received our December salaries. This has spoiled our end-of-year and New Year celebrations,” several employees lament.

Consequences of this blockage are not limited to employees alone. Suppliers of services and medical equipment have suspended their services, arguing that it is impossible for them to continue to honor their contracts without recovery.

“We have issued invoices that remain unpaid. We should be closing the year and starting the new one in order, but that is not the case,” they lament.

Medical services seriously affected

The financial paralysis has a direct impact on medical services. Hospital employees report that the ambulance can no longer operate due to lack of fuel.

“All the invoices are blocked here, but the financial manager should sign them so that the payment is made, in vain,” they explain.

In principle, when a financial manager is unavailable, an accountant is appointed to take over. However, the Vumbi health district does not currently have an accountant, the latter having been promoted to the position of financial manager of the provincial hospital.

An urgent appeal to authorities

Marc Nduwamahoro is an active member of the CNDD-FDD youth league, the Imbonerakure, and also holds an important position within the provincial office of this party. His detention, as well as the lack of a quick solution, is increasing tensions within the district.

The staff of the Vumbi health district calls for immediate intervention by hierarchical health authorities to resolve this critical situation. An emergency solution is essential to ensure the continuity of health services and the payment of salaries.

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Marc Nduwamahoro, CNDD-FDD official and financial director of the Vumbi health district, prosecuted for murder of a thief in Kirundo, DR