Burundi Struggles to Combat Corruption Amid Ruling Party’s Alleged Involvement

Citizens in Burundi face significant challenges as they attempt to access public services due to rampant administrative corruption. The country’s ruling party, CNDD-FDD, and actors in the security sector are allegedly complicit in grand corruption, leading to the large-scale capture of public resources.

Challenges Faced by Citizens

• Accessing public services is a significant challenge for citizens due to rampant administrative corruption.
• Corruption affects various sectors including land, mining, tax administration, customs, and monetary policy.

Allegations of Grand Corruption

• The CNDD-FDD and actors in the security sector are allegedly complicit in the abuse of office and trading in influence to capture public resources.
• Between 1985 and 2013, Burundi lost an estimated US$3.7 billion due to illicit financial flows (IFFs).
• Significant losses were from balance of payment leaks and trade misinvoicing.

Misappropriation of Public Funds

• Some members of the Burundian political elite are suspected of misappropriating foreign currency reserves, contributing to structural economic damage in the country.
• Influential figures in politics, security, and business sectors often seize public lands and natural resources without consequences.

Tax and Customs Corruption

• Corruption in tax and customs authorities facilitates organized criminal activities such as arms trafficking, leading to extensive revenue losses.
• Mining companies and cooperatives frequently collude with state officials and underreport their production to avoid taxes and reduce the risk of extortion.

Drivers of Corruption

• Weak institutions
• Lack of transparency
• Lack of accountability through elections
• Low public salaries
• Ethnic politics
• Suppression of civic engagement
• High levels of impunity facilitated by a lack of judicial independence

Anti-Corruption Efforts

• Burundi is a signatory to key treaties such as the UNCAC and a member of regional networks.
• However, the country’s legal and institutional anti-corruption framework is undermined by weak institutions lacking independence and the absence of anti-corruption legislative measures, including beneficial ownership and asset declaration.

Despite being a signatory to key treaties and a member of regional networks, Burundi continues to struggle with corruption. The country’s ruling party and actors in the security sector are allegedly complicit in grand corruption, leading to significant economic damage and challenges for citizens.