Burundi gets new cabinet, first female defence minister appointed

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye has unveiled a new cabinet, featuring a mix of returning and newly appointed ministers. Notably, Marie-Chantal Nijimbere has become the first woman to be appointed Minister of Defence in Burundi. Despite having no military background, Nijimbere previously served as Minister of Trade, Transport, and Tourism (2020–2024), and earlier as Minister of Communication, Information Technology, and Media. Nijimbere is one of three ministers returning to the new cabinet, alongside François Havyarimana and Dr. Lyduine Baradahana. President Ndayishimiye also reduced

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye has unveiled a new cabinet, featuring a mix of returning and newly appointed ministers. Notably, Marie-Chantal Nijimbere has become the first woman to be appointed Minister of Defence in Burundi.

Despite having no military background, Nijimbere previously served as Minister of Trade, Transport, and Tourism (2020–2024), and earlier as Minister of Communication, Information Technology, and Media.

Nijimbere is one of three ministers returning to the new cabinet, alongside François Havyarimana and Dr. Lyduine Baradahana.

President Ndayishimiye also reduced the number of ministries from 15 to 13 in this reshuffle.

Nestor Ntahontuye, who formerly served as Minister of Finance, has been appointed Prime Minister.

Another key returnee is Lieutenant General Gabriel Nizigama, a senior police officer previously dismissed alongside General Alain Guillaume Bunyoni over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government. Nizigama is now the Minister of Labor and Public Service.

Major General Léonidas Ndaruzaniye, a prominent figure in the ruling CNDD-FDD party and a former contender for the Senate presidency (a position won by Lieutenant General Gervais Ndirakobuca), has been appointed Minister of Interior and Public Security.

The new Government of Burundi includes Nestor Ntahontuye as Prime Minister. Major General Léonidas Ndaruzaniye has been appointed Minister of Interior and Public Security, while Marie-Chantal Nijimbere becomes the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs. Arthemon Katihabwa will serve as Minister of Justice, and Edouard Bizimana as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Finance is now led by Alain Ndikumana. Dr. Hassan Kibeya has taken the role of Minister of Mines, Land, Energy, Industry, and Trade, and Calinie Mbarushimana is the Minister of Environment, Agriculture, and Livestock. Jean Claude Nzobaneza has been appointed Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, while Dr. François Havyarimana is the Minister of Education and Research. Dr. Lyduine Baradahana continues as Minister of Health, and Lieutenant General (Police) Gabriel Nizigama has been appointed Minister of Labor and Public Service. Lydia Nsekera now serves as Minister of Youth and Sports, and Gabby Bugaga is the new Minister of Communication.