Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye has released his 15 member cabinet list which is inclusive of all the three tribes of Burundi.
In Burundi history, Hutu and Tutsi tribes have been the two ethnic groups well known. The minority Twa have been marginalized and treated like secondhand citizens.
In some Great Lakes countries, being called a Twa or Hutu is used as an object of ridicule and demeaning someone. As a result, Twa people have suffered oppression from the regimes and only left to live a wild life especially in Rwanda, DRC and other countries.
In 1993, the first Burundi democratically elected president the late Melchior Ndadaye’s dream was to see Twa (pygmies) being treated equally like other Hutu and Tutsi. Unfortunately he was slaughtered by then mono ethnic Tutsi army before his dream came to pass.
When Pierre Nkurunziza took office, he promised to follow up on the same footsteps. He prioritized Twas’ integration and education.
For the first time in Burundi history and probably in the history of the Great Lakes region Burundi has a Twa Minister.
A very strong advocate of human rights and especially the promotion of Burundi women Hon. Immelde Sabushimike has been appointed Minister of Solidarity.
The first Hutu to hold a high level position in Burundi history.
Members of the new Government of Burundi
Prime Minister:
Mr CPG Alain Guillaume Bunyoni
■ Minister of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security:
▪Mr CPC Gervais NDIRAKOBUCA
■ Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs:
▪ Mr Alain Tribert MUTABAZI
■ Minister of Justice:
○ Ms. Jeanine NIBIZI
■ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation:
▪Mr Amb. Albert SHINGIRO
■ Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning for Economic Development:
▪Mr Dr Domitien NDIHOKUBWAYO
■ Minister of National Education and Scientific Research:
▪Mr Dr Gaspard BANYANKIMBONA
■ Minister of Public Health and the Fight against AIDS:
▪Mr Dr Thaddée NDIKUMANA
■ Minister of the Environment, Agriculture and Livestock:
▪Mr Dr Déo Guide RUREMA
■ Minister of Infrastructure, Equipment and Social Housing:
▪Mr Déogratias NSANGANIYUMWAMI
■ Minister of Public Service, Labor and Employment:
○ Mrs. Domine BANYANKIMBONA
■ Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines:
▪Mr Abraham UWIZEYE
■ Minister of Commerce, Transport, Industry and Tourism:
○ Ms. Hon. Immaculate NDABANEZE
■ Minister of East African Community Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture: ▪Mr Amb. Ezekiel NIBIGIRA
■ Minister of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender:
○ Mrs. Imelde SABUSHIMIKE
■ Minister of Communication, Information Technology and Media:
○ Mrs. Marie Chantal NIJIMBERE