A plenary session convened on 25 August 2026 to present findings from parliamentary missions conducted throughout July in the provinces of Bujumbura, Gitega, and Butanyerera. During the proceedings, deputies reported significant concerns regarding fertilizer shortages and the local production of harmful alcoholic beverages.
Daniel Gélase Ndabirabe, President of the National Assembly, challenged the authority of the body to hold government officials accountable, asserting that ministers serve only as advisors to the Head of State. He stated: "Nous n’avons pas le droit de convoquer les ministres pour répondre à nos questions. Non, nous n’en avons pas le droit. Pourtant, il nous arrive de dire : Nous avons convoqué trois ou quatre ministres. Mais, est-ce que nous en avons réellement le droit ?" He added: "C’est une erreur de penser comme cela. Les ministres ne sont pas des exécutants. Vous confondez les choses."
Constitutional Powers and Oversight
Pascal Gikeke, an ex-deputy, contested the interpretation of parliamentary authority provided by Daniel Gélase Ndabirabe. Gikeke argued that the Constitution and the internal regulations of the National Assembly provide deputies with the explicit power to control government action.
Regarding the recent statements made by the President of the National Assembly, Gikeke expressed strong disagreement. He stated: "Je suis étonné par les propos du président de l’Assemblée nationale. Pendant la législature précédente qu’il dirigeait lui-même, les ministres ont été convoqués pour s’exprimer, pour clarifier telle ou telle question."
By citing the precedent established during the previous legislative term, Gikeke challenged the assertion that ministers are exempt from assembly summons. His position emphasizes that the legislative body maintains the constitutional mandate to oversee executive activities, contradicting the view that ministers operate outside the scope of parliamentary inquiry. These conflicting interpretations regarding the oversight powers of the National Assembly remain a point of contention within the legislative institution.
Civil Society Perspectives
Jean-Bosco Ndereyimana, president of the association Action burundaise pour la reconstruction de l’Afrique (ABA), criticized the recent remarks concerning legislative oversight. He maintained that deputies require direct interaction with cabinet members to perform their duties effectively. Regarding the necessity of these interactions, Ndereyimana stated: "Tu ne peux pas contrôler l’action gouvernementale sans connaître comment les ministres travaillent."
Rémy Havyarimana, the coordinator of the organization Maison Lueur d’Espoir, also monitored the debate over the authority of the National Assembly. Both organizations represent civil society perspectives on the current dispute regarding whether ministers are accountable to the legislative branch. These figures argue that the ability to summon officials remains a fundamental component of governmental transparency within Burundi. Their positions reflect ongoing concerns among non-governmental actors about the potential erosion of parliamentary oversight powers during the current legislative session.