BUJUMBURA, Aug. 6 (AGCNewsNet) – Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye on Tuesday appointed Nestor Ntahontuye as the country’s new prime minister in a sweeping government reshuffle following recent legislative elections, according to the presidency.

Ntahontuye replaces Gervais Ndirakobuca, who held the post since 2022. Ndirakobuca was recently elected senator and has since assumed the position of Speaker of the Senate, prompting a vacancy at the head of government.

The reorganisation comes after several former cabinet members secured seats in Parliament, necessitating a broad overhaul of the executive arm, the presidency said.

Under Article 93 of Burundi’s 2018 Constitution, the appointment of a new prime minister automatically dissolves the existing government, which must then be reconstituted.

The new cabinet includes several key appointments across major ministries. Jean‑Claude Nzobaneza will now head the Ministry of Infrastructure, Social Housing, Transport and Equipment, while Dr. François Havyarimana takes charge of National Education and Scientific Research.

Other appointments include:

·        Dr. Lydwine Baradahana – Public Health and AIDS Response

·        Lt. Gen. Gabriel Nizigama – Labour, 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 Mbarushimana – Environment, Agriculture and Livestock

The cabinet reshuffle marks one of the most significant government overhauls since Ndayishimiye took office in 2020.

Government officials say the changes are intended to reinvigorate state institutions and ensure stronger alignment with the country's development agenda following the polls.

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