BUJUMBURA, Burundi — President Évariste Ndayishimiye on Tuesday announced a sweeping cabinet reshuffle, appointing a new prime minister and overhauling several key ministries.
Nestor Ntahontuye has been named the new Prime Minister, replacing Gervais Ndirakobuca, who had served in the role since 2022. Ndirakobuca was recently elected senator and has since assumed the position of Speaker of the Senate, following the legislative elections that ushered in a new cohort of lawmakers.
Several former ministers were also elected as Members of Parliament or senators, prompting vacancies that contributed to the broader government shakeup. The reshuffle follows the constitutional procedure outlined in Article 93 of Burundi’s 2018 Constitution, which states that when a new prime minister is appointed, the entire government is considered dissolved and must be reconstituted.
Among the newly appointed ministers:
- Jean‑Claude Nzobaneza: Infrastructure, Social Housing, Transport and Equipment
- Dr. François Havyarimana: National Education and Scientific Research
- Dr. Lydwine Baradahana: Public Health and AIDS Response
- Lt. Gen. Gabriel Nizigama: Labor, Civil Service and Social Security
- Lydia Nsekera: Youth, Sports and Culture
- Gabby Bugaga: Communication and Media
- Gen. Leonidas Ndaruzaniye: Interior, Community Development and Public Security
- Marie‑Chantal Nijimbere: National Defense and Veterans Affairs
- Arthemon Katihabwa: Justice, Human Rights and Gender
- Amb. Édouard Bizimana: Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Cooperation
- Alain Ndikumana: Finance, Budget and Digital Economy
- Dr. Hassan Kibeya: Mining, Energy, Industry, Commerce and Tourism
- Calinie Mbarushima: Environment, Agriculture and Livestock
Analysts say the reshuffle reflects an effort to refresh the executive branch amid economic challenges, youth unemployment. Analysts say the appointment of some new faces is a calculated reconfiguration of the government to align with new parliamentary leadership and evolving national priorities.
