Local civil society group OLUCOME has raised concerns over delays in forming a new government in Burundi, warning that ministerial operations risk stalling more than a week after the outgoing administration declared itself “resigned.”
“Daily ministerial functions cannot be fully ensured in the absence of ministers,” said Alexis Nimubona, OLUCOME’s communications officer, in a statement to local media on Monday. “It is urgent for a new government to be formed to guarantee the smooth running of state institutions.”
According to OLUCOME, several government activities have already stalled because permanent secretaries—who are temporarily overseeing ministries—lack the authority to coordinate key functions. The organization urged President Evariste Ndayishimiye to swiftly submit nominees for Prime Minister to the National Assembly, enabling the formation of a new cabinet.
A statement from the State’s General Secretariat, dated July 30, 2025, clarified that with the current government considered resigned, permanent secretaries are managing “day-to-day affairs” in all ministries. For any decision-making matters, permanent secretaries must first consult with the President’s civil chief of staff, the communiqué added.
Normally, newly appointed government members take an oath before both chambers of Parliament—the National Assembly and Senate—before assuming office. However, the process has stalled further as the newly elected Senate failed to elect its leadership during its first session Monday, adopting only its internal rules. These rules must be approved by the Constitutional Court before the Senate’s bureau election can proceed.
The political deadlock follows the resignation of six ministers who were elected to Parliament for the 2025–2030 legislative term. Governance experts have criticized the government’s failure to promptly replace them, calling it a violation of Burundi’s Constitution.
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