Our in-depth investigation into the internal operations of the Mutuelle de la Fonction Publique (MFP) in Burundi has uncovered a troubling pattern of corruption and mismanagement, with serious implications for public accountability and institutional integrity. At the center of this scandal is Serge Ntiriwhisha, the Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) of the MFP, whose name has become increasingly associated with multiple irregularities.
One of the most glaring cases involves the procurement of employee uniforms. According to several internal sources, each uniform was purchased at an inflated price of 150,000 Burundian francs, meaning that for every staff member, two sets were delivered at a total cost of 300,000 FBu. Employees have described this as blatant embezzlement and expressed outrage at the unexplained overpricing. Such inflated costs raise concerns over the transparency of public procurement processes and suggest the possible diversion of public funds.
But this case is far from isolated. Our findings indicate that Mr. Ntiriwhisha is also involved in other forms of misconduct within the workplace, particularly abuse of power and sexual exploitation. These allegations came to a head when he was caught in an incident involving improper conduct during a field mission in Makamba Province, overseen by Minister Imelde Sabushimike. As a result, he was placed on administrative leave on December 12, 2022, an attempt by the institution to manage an escalating crisis.
Even more troubling is the protection he allegedly enjoys within political circles. Ntiriwhisha is said to be shielded by Reverien Ndikuriyo, the powerful national chairman of the ruling CNDD-FDD party. Multiple witnesses report that he has openly claimed even President Evariste Ndayishimiye has no authority over him — a statement that, if true, reflects a dangerous level of impunity and the capture of public institutions by partisan interests.
As of today, employees of the MFP are unanimously calling for the dismissal of Serge Ntiriwhisha and the appointment of new leadership to restore order, transparency, and trust in the organization. It’s worth noting that the MFP has been operating without a permanent director for over eight months, relying solely on interim management — a vacuum that has clearly allowed space for serious governance failures.
This case underscores the broader challenges facing public financial governance in Burundi. It calls for urgent reforms, including stronger internal controls, independent audits, and legal accountability for public officials engaged in misappropriation of funds. Without these measures, institutions like the MFP will continue to be vulnerable to corruption at the expense of civil servants and taxpayers alike.
