The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has appointed Burundi’s former Foreign Minister, Ézéchiel Nibigira, as its new president.
Nibigira was chosen on Sunday at a summit in Equatorial Guinea to serve a five-year term, succeeding Angola’s Gilberto Verissimo.
A prominent member of Burundi’s ruling CNDD-FDD party, Nibigira holds a doctorate in business administration and finance. He is currently a member of parliament and has previously served as Burundi’s ambassador to Kenya, Minister in charge of the East African Community, and Foreign Minister.
But his appointment comes at a turbulent time for the 11-member regional bloc. The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains the most pressing issue. Burundi, an ally of Kinshasa, has strained relations with Rwanda, which backs the M23 rebel group fighting DRC government-aligned forces. Kigali recently withdrew from ECCAS, accusing the organisation of siding with the DRC over the violence.
Beyond regional security, Nibigira faces the challenge of reforming the ECCAS commission and restoring its credibility after accusations of poor management.
Founded in 1983, ECCAS is tasked with maintaining peace, security and stability among its members while promoting deeper regional economic integration.
Boluwatife Enome
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