Burundi’s 2025-2026 national budget has drawn intense criticism following the discovery of a 31.5 billion BIF discrepancy between the figures approved by Parliament and those later promulgated.
The unexplained difference has raised concerns over transparency, legality, and the balance of power between the legislature and the executive.
On May 2, 2025, Finance Minister Nestor Ntahontuye presented a bill outlining total state expenditure of 5,227.06 billion BIF, with revenues projected at 4,790.11 billion BIF and a deficit of 436.95 billion BIF. The National Assembly and Senate unanimously adopted the proposal, which formed the basis for the 2025-2026 budget.
However, once promulgated, the law reflected total expenditures of 5,258.6 billion BIF, an increase of 31.5 billion BIF over the figure voted on by Parliament. The change has not been officially justified, prompting lawmakers, civil society leaders, and opposition figures to question the integrity of the process.
A member of Parliament, speaking anonymously, expressed alarm: “If an addition of more than 31 billion Burundian francs was made after the vote, this constitutes a flagrant violation of the law. Because, like any other law, it is Parliament that is empowered to vote on the budget. Who, then, examined and approved this new version containing these additional 31 billion?”
Gaspard Kobako, president of the National Alliance for Democracy (AND-Intadohoka), warned that such actions undermine institutional trust. “What’s the point of passing any bill through Parliament if its proposals are not taken into account? What is Parliament’s role, ultimately? Has the law governing the two chambers changed?”
Olivier Nkurunziza, president of the Uprona party, was more direct: “If the promulgated budget does not coincide with the voted budget, it is cheating punishable by law… this shows that in Burundi, bodies like the National Assembly and the Senate are still controlled by the executive, and the latter can do whatever it wants.”
Others, including Alexis Nimubona of Olucome and Codebu leader Kefa Nibizi, echoed concerns, calling the move a violation of democratic principles and budgetary transparency. MP Pamphile Malayika described the discrepancy as “a betrayal,” warning that it erodes the rule of law and diminishes Parliament’s role as a check on executive power.
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