• President Évariste Ndayishimiye replaces three ministers in his third cabinet reshuffle since 2020.

• Changes affect health, infrastructure, and communication ministries amid economic strain.

• Move comes as ruling CNDD-FDD endorses Ndayishimiye for a second term in 2027.

Évariste Ndayishimiye has carried out a cabinet reshuffle, replacing three ministers in a move that reflects both political and economic pressures ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The president announced the changes on Tuesday, April 28. He appointed Fidèle Nkezabahizi as minister of public health, replacing Lydwine Baradahana, who had held the post since 2023. He named Égide Nijimbere as minister of infrastructure, social housing, transport, and equipment, succeeding Damien Niyonkuru. He also appointed Evelyne Butoyi as minister of communication and media, replacing Gabby Bugaga, who was found dead in his vehicle on April 16.

The reshuffle comes as Burundi faces a fragile economic environment. Authorities continue to pursue growth targets; however, foreign currency shortages and logistical constraints weigh on economic activity.

Moreover, the country faces a persistent structural deficit in infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector. These challenges continue to limit broader economic expansion and investment capacity.

#Burundi #PrimatureBurundi Par le Décret N°100/060 du 28 Avril 2026 portant nomination de certains membres du Gouvernement, trois nouveaux membres du @BurundiGov: Ir Égide Nijimbere, Dr Fidèle Nkezabahizi et Ambassadeur Evelyne Butoyi ?https://t.co/d6PxAKeLb0

— Primature de la République du Burundi (@BurundiGov) April 28, 2026

The decision follows the recent designation of Ndayishimiye by the National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The party has remained in power since 2005.

The CNDD-FDD currently holds all seats in the National Assembly for the 2025–2030 legislative term following the June 5, 2025 vote, reinforcing its political dominance.

This latest adjustment marks the third cabinet reshuffle carried out by Ndayishimiye since he assumed office on May 20, 2020. The move signals a calibrated effort to maintain political stability while addressing governance challenges in key sectors.

This article was initially published in French by Ingrid Haffiny

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum