Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has dismissed Finance Minister Audace Niyonzima, appointing Nestor Ntahontuye as his replacement, according to a presidential decree issued Monday.
The decision follows reports from the Burundi Revenue Authority revealing a revenue shortfall of over 110 billion Burundian francs ($37 million) in the last four months. The country is also grappling with fuel shortages and a foreign currency crisis.
Although no official reasons were provided for Niyonzima’s removal, he had recently cautioned that the deficit could hinder the government’s ability to implement its annual budget.
Ntahontuye, the new finance minister, previously chaired the Finance Committee in the National Assembly. He holds a degree in statistical engineering with expertise in monitoring and evaluation, and has worked extensively in project planning within Burundi.
Burundi’s economy remains heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly tea and coffee production, and continues to face significant fiscal and resource challenges.
