Think tank: “Burundi needs a clear vision to strengthen good governance”
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol VII, Issue #229 | Thursday, January 12, 2023
Burundian Think Tank PARCEM (Parole et Actions pour le Réveil des Consciences et l’Evolution des Mentalités) presented in Bujumbura the 2022 Governance report, that highlights the importance of establishing a clear vision to strengthen good governance in Burundi.
Speaking to journalists Faustin Ndikumana, National Director of PARCEM this Wednesday, January 11, 2023 said that the report analyzes the situation of governance in 2022 and the prospects for 2023.
The report notes that many aspects of life in the country are lagging behind, and regrets that most of the plans presented by the President of the Republic and by various experts have not yet been implemented.
The report emphasize that, all challenges comes from the fact that the government has not yet strengthened good governance. For him the government has failed to have a clear vision and ways to fight against corruption. He urges the government to a single vision that works.
Regarding the fight against corruption, the Report concludes that the government should set itself an objective to fight against corruption in a visible way. “All relevant institutions should first work with the experts.” said Faustin Ndikumana commenting the report in front of Journalists.
“Why do we hear that some people are handing over what they embezzled and live freely while other criminals with same offences are sentenced to prison?” Noted Ndikumana denouncing unclear strategies and approach to fight corruption.
What were the big challenges for 2022?
The report informs that the currency problem was recurrent throughout 2022. This is one of the reasons why there was inflation of 26.8% which mainly hit food products, according to central bank calculations.
The report mentioned the scarcity of passports, the country's internal debt which has increased to the level of 3000 billion and the problem of recovery of public companies such as ONATEL and REGIDESO.
In the agricultural sector, Faustin Ndikumana informs that the harvest was very low compared to the year 2021, mainly due to the shortage of FOMI fertilizer and the corn harvest which rotted in ANAGESSA stocks. .
Regarding human rights, commenting the report Faustin Ndikumana, said that in Burundi, there is a tendency to minimize the value of human life, because many perpetrators of crimes are not convicted. He also regretted the way the police prosecute those accused of fraud but ignore the crimes of murder, human trafficking, extortion, etc.
Regarding diplomacy, the Report appreciates that there has been an extraordinary achievements because Burundi has participated in many international meetings, but questions the gains the country can expect.
For health, the Report mentions the lack of equipment in communal hospitals, the delay in the reimbursement of state subsidies, the availability of health services which remains problematic due to the lack of equipment such as scanners. “Burundi can find itself in the situation where only one scanner works in the whole country.”Commented Faustin Ndikumana
About PARCEM
Founded in 2008,PARCEM’s action is focuses on advocacy to influence public policies and change citizens' attitudes.Since 2009, PARCEM has an office in Bujumbura, staff and operates in 5 areas: Good governance and fight against corruption; Human rights ; Economic and strategic choices; Education in good values; Preventive health.
Thanks for reading,
Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief, RegionWeek