By Emmanuel M Kangar, Jr.
Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has dismissed the country’s infrastructure minister less than three months after his appointment, in a mini-reshuffle that comes amid mounting public frustration over fuel shortages and delayed public works.
According to a presidential decree issued Tuesday, Damien Niyonkuru has been replaced by Egide Nijimbere as minister of infrastructure, social housing and transport. Nijimbere previously served as permanent secretary in the same ministry for more than five years.
No official reason was given for Niyonkuru’s removal. However, the decision follows growing criticism from the public over stalled infrastructure projects and persistent disruptions in fuel supply.
Burundi, which relies heavily on imported petroleum products, has faced months of fuel shortages. The situation has led to long queues at filling stations across the country, intensifying pressure on the government.
The crisis has been further exacerbated by a recent rise in global oil prices linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, worsening supply constraints in the landlocked nation.
In the same reshuffle, President Ndayishimiye appointed Fidele Nkezabahizi as minister of public health and Evelyne Butoyi as minister of communication and media.
The communication portfolio had been vacant following the death of former minister Gabby Bugaga, who was found earlier this month in a damaged vehicle near the economic capital, Bujumbura.
The latest changes signal an effort by the government to respond to public concerns and stabilize key sectors facing increasing strain.
