By: Rpf Gakwerere
Burundi’s new president, Maj Gen Evariste Ndayishimiye, has appointed a new cabinet. The new appointments come afew days after parliament in Burundi approved nominations of the country’s vice president and prime minister.
Last Tuesday, the country’s parliament and senate approved Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni as prime minister and Bazombanza Prosper as vice president.
According to Burundi’s 2018 constitution, the prime minister is the head of government and the vice-president assists the president in the exercise of his duties.
While confirming the new cabinet, President Ndayishimiye said that, by Decree No. 100/008 of June 28, 2020, on the proposal of the Prime Minister and in consultation with the Vice-President, “the President has just appointed the members of the Government.”
These new members of government include 15 Ministers of whom 11 are men and 4 women. In the previous government of President Peter Nkurunziza, they were 23 ministers. And now, the cabinet has been reduced to 15 ministers.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation: Amb. Albert SHINGIRO
Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning for Economic Development: Dr Domitien NDIHOKUBWAYO
Minister of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security: Police Commissioner Chief Gervais NDIRAKOBUCA
Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs: Ir Alain Tribert MUTABAZI
Minister of Justice: Madame Jeanine NIBIZI
Minister of National Education and Scientific Research: Dr Gaspard BANYANKIMBONA
Minister of Public Health and the Fight against AIDS: Dr Thaddée NDIKUMANA
Minister of the Environment, Agriculture and Livestock: Dr Déo Guide RUREMA
Minister of Infrastructure, Equipment and Social Housing: Mr. Déogratias NSANGANIYUMWAMI
Minister of Public Service, Labor and Employment: Madame Domine BANYANKIMBONA
Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines: Ir Abraham UWIZEYE
Minister of Commerce, Transport, Industry and Tourism: Hon. Immaculate NDABANEZE
Minister of East African Community Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture: Amb. Ezekiel NIBIGIRA
Minister of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender: Madame Imelde SABUSHIMIKE
Minister of Communication, Information Technologies and Media: Mrs. Marie Chantal NIJIMBERE
Under the new May 2018 Constitution, presidential term remained two terms, but years increased from 5 years to 7 years. Maj Gen Evariste Ndayishimiye will be the president of Burundi for a seven-year term, renewable once.