Burundi Finance Minister Says He Faces Intimidation Over Fertilizer Payments

Bujumbura - December 27, 2025 - Burundi’s Finance Minister, Dr. Alain Ndikumana, told Parliament that the management of the fertilizer company FOMI is attempting to intimidate him into authorizing payments not stipulated in the government contract.

Speaking during the presentation of the government’s draft 2025/2026 budget to the Senate, Minister Ndikumana said FOMI submitted two documents demanding additional payments for fertilizer supplied beyond the agreed contract terms. One request sought 50.78 billion Fbu for fertilizer provided in the B and C periods of 2025, while another demanded 6.83 billion Fbu for B 2024 and A 2025 periods. He rejected both demands.

“Tell me, can we do these things? I do not owe anyone anything. I will not be afraid,” Minister Ndikumana said. He emphasized that he remained committed to transparency and the country’s long-term development vision.

The President of the Senate, Lt Gen Gervais Ndirakobuca, expressed support for the minister, acknowledging the difficulties of confronting corruption. “For our society to change, it is necessary to expose the truth. Burundians do not like the truth, but it will come out. We encourage you, do not give up,” he said.

FOMI, founded in February 2019 by Adrien Ntigacika, also known as Ziranokse, was created to reduce Burundi’s reliance on imported fertilizer. The company has grown influential in the country’s agricultural sector.

Economy and Tech.