In a widely expected move, Burundi’s Senate on Tuesday unanimously elected Gervais Ndirakobuca as its president for the 2025–2030 legislative term, replacing Emmanuel Sinzohagera, who led the institution from 2020 until 2025.
During the chamber’s second plenary session, all 13 senators cast their votes in favor of Ndirakobuca, who until now had served as the country’s Prime Minister since 2022. The former police lieutenant general was elected senator representing Bujumbura province and secured 100 percent of the votes. His approval on Tuesday was immediately followed by his swearing-in ceremony before Parliament.
Ndirakobuca’s election came as no surprise. In May, he was placed into early retirement by presidential decree, sparking speculation over the political future of the long-standing CNDD-FDD party member.
The session also saw the election of other key Senate leadership positions. Générose Ngendanganya was chosen as First Vice-President of the upper house. Like Ndirakobuca, she is a retired police official who was also placed on early retirement in May. Elected from the Gitega constituency, Ngendanganya previously served as Deputy Inspector at the Ministry of Public Security.
Clotilde Kampimbare, representing the Burunga constituency, was elected as Second Vice-President of the Senate.
The formation of the Senate’s leadership follows Monday’s opening session, during which senators only adopted the institution’s internal regulations. The delay had drawn criticism from civil society, which warned that the slow pace could hinder the installation of the new government.
Following Tuesday’s elections, senators swiftly approved Nestor Ntahontuye as the new Prime Minister, replacing Ndirakobuca. Ntahontuye had been serving as Minister of Finance since December 2024, succeeding Audace Niyonzima. Shortly after taking office, Ntahontuye faced criticism for stating that he would not provide information to private media outlets.
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