Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye has appointed Ntahontuye Nestor as the country’s new Minister of Finance, replacing Audace Niyonzoma, who had held the position since 2022.
The appointment was made through a presidential decree issued earlier this week. Nestor, a member of parliament representing the Ruyigi constituency, previously served as the Chairman of the Finance Committee in the National Assembly. His experience in financial management has earned him recognition within the country’s political circles.
Niyonzoma’s removal comes amid ongoing efforts to address challenges in the country’s economy, which is grappling with a shortage of foreign exchange, high inflation, and fuel scarcity. His departure also follows a series of high-profile personnel changes in government agencies dealing with financial oversight.
In recent weeks, Gitega relieved several senior officials at the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) amid allegations of corruption. The new Commissioner General, Emmanuel Mbonihankuye, has been tasked with improving performance at the tax body, with the government setting a revenue target of 2.541 trillion Burundian Francs (BIF) for the current fiscal year.
Mbonihankuye replaces Jean-Claude Manirakiza, who had led OBR since December 2021.
Burundi’s economy has been facing mounting pressures, with concerns over limited access to foreign currency, persistent fuel shortages, and inflationary pressures that have raised the cost of living for ordinary citizens.
Government officials have called on the newly appointed Minister Nestor and the new OBR leadership to ensure financial stability and meet the country’s fiscal targets in the face of these ongoing challenges.