OLUCOME disagrees with ad hoc Commission controlling embezzlement during electoral process

Gabriel Rufyiri, OLUCOME Chairman says the ad-hoc Commission established by the Burundian government is a persuasive one. “It’s a good initiative for establishing such a commission but its results will be similar to the existing ones. Identified wrongdoers won’t be punished according to Article 69 of the Constitution,” he says. Rufyiri also says the Commission would not be appointed by the Burundian government. In addition, he says, the Commission would be established by the National Assembly that would receive all audit reports. “We need right people in the right place,” he says adding that the Commission should not be controlled by the President who appointed it. Rufyiri suggests that all high officials should shed light on their belongings so that the commission would be more credible.

Gabriel Rufyiri: “All high officials would shed light on their belongings so that the Commission becomes more reliable”

On 26 March, an ad-hoc Commission was established to follow closely the management of the state property and identify all embezzlement cases that should occur in different public institutions before, during and after the elections.

Elysée Ndaye, Chairman of the commission said it has been noted that before, during and after the elections, some officials commit embezzlement in public institutions. He said these facts take a worrying scale and can affect several fields before the inauguration of the elected President. In addition, he said, there are unavailability of staff, allocation of lands by unauthorized authorities and sale of public goods by individuals. “These acts must be denounced,” he said.

Elysée Ndaye has said embezzlement is also noticed in the establishment of timely and remunerated commissions during the elections when there is no activity, adding that there are creation of unnecessary expenses for unrealized activities that should be paid to fictitious personnel or companies, granting of currencies for irregular use, irregular granting of overdrafts or credits, methods of procurement and market regulations…