Burundi President sacks infrastructure minister amid fuel crisis and public criticism

Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has sacked Infrastructure Minister Damien Niyonkuru after less than three months in office and replaced him with former permanent secretary Egide Nijimbere in a mini cabinet reshuffle. The government did not give reasons, but the move comes amid public anger over delayed infrastructure projects and months of fuel shortages worsened by rising global oil prices. The reshuffle also saw new appointments in the health and communications ministries following the death of the previous communications minister.

Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has dismissed his infrastructure minister, Damien Niyonkuru, after less than three months in office, according to a presidential decree issued on Tuesday. The decision marks a swift change in the country’s cabinet lineup and comes at a time of growing public concern over economic pressures and the performance of key government sectors.
Niyonkuru, who was appointed in January, has been replaced by Egide Nijimbere. Nijimbere is not new to the ministry, as he previously served for more than five years as permanent secretary in the same department responsible for infrastructure, social housing, and transport. His return to a senior leadership position is seen as an attempt to stabilize the ministry and improve coordination of ongoing public works and transport-related projects.
Although the government did not provide an official explanation for Niyonkuru’s dismissal, the move comes against a backdrop of increasing public criticism over delays in infrastructure development and persistent disruptions in fuel supply across the country. Many citizens have expressed frustration over the slow progress of road projects and the wider strain on essential services.
Burundi has been facing months of fuel shortages, a situation that has led to long queues at petrol stations in major towns and cities. The shortages have disrupted daily life, affected transport services, and drawn criticism of the administration’s economic management. The country is heavily dependent on imported petroleum products, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil markets.
The situation has been further aggravated by a recent surge in global oil prices, driven in part by conflict in the Middle East. This external pressure has increased import costs and worsened supply constraints, compounding Burundi’s domestic distribution challenges and adding strain to an already fragile fuel system.
In addition to the change in the infrastructure ministry, President Ndayishimiye announced a broader cabinet reshuffle involving two other key appointments. Fidele Nkezabahizi was named the new Minister of Public Health, taking over responsibility for the country’s healthcare system at a time when public health services continue to face funding and resource challenges.
Evelyne Butoyi was also appointed as Minister of Communication and Media, filling a position that had been vacant. The communications ministry portfolio became open after the death of former minister Gabby Bugaga, who was found dead earlier this month inside a damaged vehicle near Burundi’s economic capital, Bujumbura. The circumstances surrounding his death had drawn public attention and speculation, though official details remain limited.
The reshuffle reflects ongoing adjustments within President Ndayishimiye’s administration as it attempts to address economic pressures, public dissatisfaction, and operational challenges across multiple sectors.