In the recent government reshuffle in Burundi, President Evariste Ndayishimiye aka Gen. Neva has purged party loyalists and militants and replaced them with those he previously worked with.
The reshuffle indicates that Gen. Neva has asserted his independence from party nominations while the party reinforced its hold on the legislative branch. It would be reasonable to assume that a powersharing agreement was struck by the ruling elite since most influencial party members have been sent to Parliament and Senate such as the former Prime Minister Ndakugarika, the Party SG Ndikuriyo, etc. where they excecise unhindered control.
New Prime Minister: Nestor Ntahontuye.
The newly appointed Prime Minister was actively engaged in an aggressive tax collection exercise against pro-Nkurunziza businesses, and several CNDD officials as the minister of finance.
A few other examples of new comers to government:
- Leonidas NDARUZANIYE, Ministry of Interior.
Former General in Police and State House official, former governor of Ngozi, was rumoured to replace Reverien as SG of CNDD. In his capacity, he also supervises the police.
- Edouard BIZIMANA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Very active on Twitter and YouTube. Displayed very strong anti-Rwanda sentiments. Holds a PHD, and held different diplomatic positions (including Ambassador to Russia). He was a State House official.
- Alain NDIKUMANA, Ministry of Finance.
He is credited for writing the country vision 2040 and 2060. He is a former State House official and said to be extremely smart.
- Dr Hassan KIBEYA, Ministry of Mining, Commerce and Tourism.
He is said to be the brains behind the youth fund PAEJ (considered as a success). He is said to be very close to the first family and was in charge of supervising revenues from mining activities.
- Gabriel NIZIGAMA, Ministry of Labour and social security (General de Police).
A former chief of cabinet to Nkurunziza and Ndayishimiye, he was removed from office when Bunyoni fell out with Ndayishimiye. He was suspected to be part of a Bunyoni take over plot. He was placed under house arrest before being affected to the ministry of interior. He comes from the same village as the first lady “Mama Gucci” who is said to have been key in his rehabilitation.
Gen. Neva is positioning himself – according to analysts – for a power grab (consolidating his position and “Mama Gucci” as king and queen), even as accountability is demanded for the thousands of deaths of Burundian soldiers that the despot sold, to die in Tshisekedi’s wars in neighboring DR Congo.
Watch this space.
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