ARUSHA, Tanzania — Burundi’s newly appointed foreign minister, Edouard Bizimana, was sworn in Tuesday as an ex-officio member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) during a session in Arusha, Tanzania.
“Recently, His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye appointed Edouard Bizimana as the minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Community Affairs of Burundi. As the rules of procedure state, a member cannot participate or take a seat in the assembly before taking the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance,” EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana said.
Under Article 48 of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, ex-officio members include ministers from partner states who serve in the assembly but do not have voting rights.
Karerwa Mo-Mamo, chair of the EALA Burundi chapter, highlighted Bizimana’s background, describing him as “50 years old with a wealth of diplomatic, political and academic experience.” She noted that Bizimana has lectured at several universities, including the University of Burundi, and holds degrees in modern and English literature, a master’s in international relations, an MBA in business administration and diplomacy from a Swiss university, and a doctorate in international relations.
In his maiden speech to the assembly, Bizimana pledged to serve both his country and the regional bloc. “I am honored to be here to serve my country and the community. You can count on me. I will be available to help and will also come to you for guidance and collaboration,” he said.
Bizimana’s swearing-in follows a cabinet reshuffle earlier this year in which President Ndayishimiye merged the Ministry of East African Community Affairs with the Foreign Affairs portfolio now standing as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation.
