GITEGA August 16th (ABP) – The President of the Republic, Evariste Ndayishimiye led, from August 11 to 12, 2022, a two-day retreat organized by the minister of interior in collaboration with the permanent dialogue forum political parties, for the leaders of the political parties approved in Burundi and the governors of the provinces.
That retreat took place at the Pope John Paul II Senior Seminary, in Gitega (Centre of the country) under the theme: “Political and economic governance in a democratic State”.
In his speech, the President of the Republic Evariste Ndayishimiye said that political leaders are currently characterized by good relations. He specified that they are pillars of good governance and development of the country despite their political differences. He asked them to support him in the fight against poverty. President Ndayishimiye again indicated that he appreciates the step taken by the political leaders in the preparation of the 2025 and 2027 elections. He took the opportunity to challenge the political parties that did not join the dialogue forum of the political parties to do so as soon as possible to give their contributions to that work. He did not forget to invite political leaders to put forward the public interest instead of their own interests.
Taking the floor, the leaders of the approved political parties in Burundi asked the government to revise the law on the investment code in Burundi and the law relating to the awarding of public contracts for the proper implementation of the program budget. They also asked the State to stop the bad habit of corruption in investment, to make decisions that facilitate the business of investors and to accept the import of foodstuffs while facilitating the work of those who want to do that business.
Those leaders pleaded for the relentless fight against fraud which concerns the entry of uncleared goods under the pretext that they belong to such or such other authority. They also proposed, among other things, the transport of goods via Lake Tanganyika, the revitalization of public companies such as Verundi, ONATEL, ISABU and others. The digitization of economic services, transparency in public procurement procedures, control of exemptions, promotion of cross-border trade and the tourism sector, reopening of exchange offices and raising awareness of the people on the improvement from production.
The Head of State commended the contributions of political leaders in promoting good governance.