Ofure Akhigbe
The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has appointed Burundi’s former Foreign Minister, Ézéchiel Nibigira, as its new president.
Nibigira, who currently serves as a member of parliament for the ruling CNDD-FDD party, will lead the regional bloc for a five-year term. His appointment was confirmed on Sunday during a summit in Equatorial Guinea, where he succeeded Angola’s Gilberto Verissimo.
Holding a doctorate in business administration and finance, Nibigira is a prominent political figure in Burundi. He has previously served as the country’s ambassador to Kenya, Minister in charge of the East African Community, and Foreign Minister.
His tenure begins at a challenging time for the 11-member bloc. The worsening security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains a pressing issue, complicated by strained relations between Burundi and Rwanda. Kigali, which backs the M23 rebels, recently withdrew from ECCAS, accusing the body of siding with Kinshasa.
Beyond security, Nibigira faces the task of continuing institutional reforms and rebuilding the commission’s credibility, which has been dented by past accusations of mismanagement.
Founded in 1983, ECCAS works to promote peace, security, stability, and economic integration in Central Africa.