News
Burundi tax revenue declines as unrest persists
The Burundi Revenue authority (OBR) has recorded a 16 per cent tax decline for the last financial year.
The unrest that has hit the country since April has only made things worse for OBR.
Burundi is contending with protests occasioned by the ruling CNDD-FDD party's nomination of President Pierre Nkurunziza to contest for a third term in office.
The move is viewed as unconstitutional and going against the Arusha Accord that ended Burundi's long-running civil war.
OBR recorded a 32 per cent tax decline in the past one month.
Below the target
“We had several challenges, not only the unrest, but also the fuel shortage for the last months that contributed to the low revenue collections, but OBR will continue its mission to secure revenues for strengthening Burundi’s economy,” said the agency Commissioner General, Mr Domitien Ndihokubwayo.
In April, OBR recorded 9 billion francs shortfall and with the persisting protests in the capital Bujumbura, the revenue authority has now recorded another 16 billion francs below the target.
The figure is considered the least revenue collection for May for the last three years.
OBR was established by the government in 2010.
“I can’t do business for now, with this kind of insecurity most of the people are scared so we have to wait until the situation gets back to normal,” said Mr Eddy Niyirora, a trader.
OBR launched an Electronic Single Window System (ESS) early this year which allows investors to access online standardised information and documents with a single entry point.
