BUJUMBURA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye has appointed Nestor Ntahontuye as the East African country's prime minister, according to a presidential decree signed on Tuesday.
Ntahontuye had served as the country's minister of finance, budget and economic planning since December 2024, until his appointment on Tuesday.
After Ntahontuye's appointment and the endorsement of his candidacy by both chambers of the Burundian Parliament -- the National Assembly and the Senate -- he was sworn in before Ndayishimiye, members of both chambers, and the Constitutional Court. Ntahontuye pledged to abide by the National Constitution, the National Unity Charter, and other laws governing Burundi.
"I hereby undertake to combat any genocide ideology and practices of exclusion, to promote and defend individual and collective rights, freedoms of individuals, citizens, and to protect the integrity and independence of the Republic of Burundi," said Ntahontuye.
Ntahontuye replaced Gervais Ndirakobuca, who was elected on Tuesday as the president of the Burundian Senate. Ndirakobuca was elected senator in the Bujumbura constituency, western Burundi, during the country's senatorial elections held on July 23.
The Burundian president also carried out a major cabinet reshuffle, reducing the number of ministries from 15 to 13 and appointing 10 new members, including four women. ■
