On Monday, May 18, 2026, President of the Republic of Burundi Évariste Ndayishimiye visited construction sites for rabbit breeding centers in Gitega province. His inspection aimed to assess progress on these projects, specifically focusing on the ongoing construction works for rabbit breeding centers across the province. While the overall assessment of the sites was satisfactory, the President noted significant issues at one particular location. Achievements at the Karusi rabbit breeding center were found to be below the funds and time invested, indicating a substantial shortfall in project execution compared to the resources allocated.
Karusi Center Faces Suspension
President Évariste Ndayishimiye visited the construction site of the rabbit breeding center in the chief town of Karusi commune, where he observed significant discrepancies. The visit to the Karusi site revealed that realized achievements were substantially below the financial means committed, which were estimated at 2.391 billion Burundian francs. This considerable investment had been allocated to the project. The construction works at Karusi have been ongoing for three years, yet the visible progress did not align with the significant financial investment and the extended timeline. This disparity between expenditure, time, and tangible results prompted a decisive response from the head of state. Consequently, President Ndayishimiye decided to suspend the Office Burundais de l'Habitat (Obuha) from its involvement at the Karusi construction site. This suspension reflects the serious concerns regarding the project's management and output. A commission will now be dispatched to the location to thoroughly evaluate the use of funds and the construction techniques employed during the project's three-year duration, aiming to understand the root causes of the observed deficiencies.
Progress at Mutobo and Kibimba
President Évariste Ndayishimiye subsequently visited the Mutobo rabbit breeding center, situated in Gitega commune. The President also inspected another rabbit breeding center in Kibimba, within Gitega commune and province. The Mutobo center, which is currently under construction by the military, was launched in May 2025. This project has already seen a considerable investment, with 930 million Burundian francs required for its development so far. At Mutobo, President Ndayishimiye expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work, noting that only finishing touches remained before its completion. The President was pleased with the work execution at this site, a stark contrast to the issues identified at Karusi. The Kibimba center, another site visited by the President during his inspection tour, currently houses 1,549 rabbits, indicating its operational status and contribution to the local livestock sector.
President's Commitment to Development
The inspection conducted by President Évariste Ndayishimiye on Monday, May 18, 2026, aimed to assess the progress of construction works for rabbit breeding centers across the province. During his visits to the various sites, the President reaffirmed his commitment to promoting modern livestock farming as a key component of national development. He also emphasized the critical importance of ensuring the proper management of public funds allocated for development projects, according to official statements. The President's direct engagement notes the government's focus on agricultural modernization and accountability in public spending.
