FUEL SHORTAGE IN BURUNDI
Économie
As Burundi navigates, like many countries around the world, a period of fuel supply tensions, certain individuals presenting themselves as figures of “civil society” have chosen the path of media escalation rather than national responsibility.
The repeated statements of Faustin Ndikumana, president of PARCEM, and Gabriel Rufyiri, head of OLUCOME, illustrate a now familiar posture: systematically criticizing the State without presenting viable solutions.
A Global Crisis, Not an Isolated Case. It is important to recall a simple truth: fuel shortages are not unique to Burundi.
Industrialized countries such as the United Kingdom have experienced supply disruptions due to logistical challenges. France faced prolonged shortages caused by refinery strikes. Nigeria, despite being an oil-producing nation, has repeatedly suffered fuel shortages. Even certain regions of the United States have experienced extreme price spikes and supply tensions.
In an international case marked by geopolitical instability, oil market fluctuations, and financial constraints, claiming that Burundi alone is responsible for such challenges reflects either bad faith or deliberate ignorance.
An Invitation to Dialogue Ignored. In response to the situation, the Secretary General of CNDD-FDD formally invited these actors to present concrete proposals for sustainable fuel management. To date, no detailed technical roadmap has been made public by them. The legitimate question therefore arises: is it easier to multiply media statements than to sit at the table and work on realistic solutions?
The Paradox of Selective Transparency
These organizations demand transparency and good governance. Yet how many detailed financial reports do they publish regarding their own sources of funding?
How often have they organized democratic leadership renewal within their own structures? Is their internal management truly a model of transparency and accountability? Credibility is not proclaimed it is demonstrated.
National Interest Above Agendas. In any democracy, criticism is permitted. However, when it becomes systematically negative without constructive contribution, questions naturally arise about the true motivations behind it.The CNDD-FDD, which came to power through sovereign elections, continues to work toward economic stabilization and structural solutions. Governing means managing complex realities not commenting from the sidelines. Turning a temporary economic challenge into a permanent campaign of discredit does not strengthen the economy nor national cohesion.
For Responsible Debate
Burundi is neither isolated nor incapable. Energy challenges are global. The real question is who genuinely seeks to contribute to sustainable solutions—and who prefers to politically capitalize on temporary difficulties.
Publié le 21/02/2026 à 10:45
The repeated statements of Faustin Ndikumana, president of PARCEM, and Gabriel Rufyiri, head of OLUCOME, illustrate a now familiar posture: systematically criticizing the State without presenting viable solutions.
A Global Crisis, Not an Isolated Case. It is important to recall a simple truth: fuel shortages are not unique to Burundi.
Industrialized countries such as the United Kingdom have experienced supply disruptions due to logistical challenges. France faced prolonged shortages caused by refinery strikes. Nigeria, despite being an oil-producing nation, has repeatedly suffered fuel shortages. Even certain regions of the United States have experienced extreme price spikes and supply tensions.
In an international case marked by geopolitical instability, oil market fluctuations, and financial constraints, claiming that Burundi alone is responsible for such challenges reflects either bad faith or deliberate ignorance.
An Invitation to Dialogue Ignored. In response to the situation, the Secretary General of CNDD-FDD formally invited these actors to present concrete proposals for sustainable fuel management. To date, no detailed technical roadmap has been made public by them. The legitimate question therefore arises: is it easier to multiply media statements than to sit at the table and work on realistic solutions?
The Paradox of Selective Transparency
These organizations demand transparency and good governance. Yet how many detailed financial reports do they publish regarding their own sources of funding?
How often have they organized democratic leadership renewal within their own structures? Is their internal management truly a model of transparency and accountability? Credibility is not proclaimed it is demonstrated.
National Interest Above Agendas. In any democracy, criticism is permitted. However, when it becomes systematically negative without constructive contribution, questions naturally arise about the true motivations behind it.The CNDD-FDD, which came to power through sovereign elections, continues to work toward economic stabilization and structural solutions. Governing means managing complex realities not commenting from the sidelines. Turning a temporary economic challenge into a permanent campaign of discredit does not strengthen the economy nor national cohesion.
For Responsible Debate
Burundi is neither isolated nor incapable. Energy challenges are global. The real question is who genuinely seeks to contribute to sustainable solutions—and who prefers to politically capitalize on temporary difficulties.
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