Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye dismissed Finance Minister Audace Niyonzima late Monday, replacing him with MP Nestor Ntahontuye. Until his appointment, Ntahontuye chaired the Finance Committee in Burundi’s National Assembly and reportedly has extensive experience in planning, monitoring, and evaluation roles with international humanitarian organizations operating in the country.
The move marks the latest in a series of high-profile dismissals within Burundi’s financial leadership. Last week, the president removed Jean Claude Manirakiza, the former head of the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR), appointing Emmanuel Mbonihankuye in his place. The shake-up follows reports of a staggering deficit of over BIF 1.10 billion within the OBR over the last four months.
These leadership changes come against the backdrop of a worsening economic crisis in Burundi. The nation is grappling with a severe shortage of foreign currency, which has led to prolonged fuel shortages, crippling transportation, commerce, and daily life. Investors have grown increasingly hesitant, exacerbating economic woes.
In response, the government recently hosted a two-day roundtable to attract foreign investments and stabilize the economy. However, skepticism persists about the effectiveness of these measures amid ongoing financial turmoil.
Ntahontuye, an MP representing Ruyigi province in eastern Burundi since 2020, is now the third Finance Minister under President Ndayishimiye’s administration, which began in the same year. His appointment signals the government’s push for financial reforms and stronger oversight.
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