The President of Burundi calls on district administrators to remain close to the population

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, September 25, 2025 – As part of the new administrative divisions reducing the provinces from 18 to 5 and the districts from 119 to 42, President Évariste Ndayishimiye has begun the installation of new district administrators. In Bujumbura, where five of the eleven districts already have their leaders, the Head of State is calling on local authorities to devote themselves fully to serving the population, amid disputes over the appointment of certain elected officials. However, some observers believe that the President should not travel personally to each installation ceremony, believing that this is a mission that could be delegated.

While officially installing the new administrator of Cibitoke district, Bujumbura province, on Wednesday, President Évariste Ndayishimiye urged local officials to remember their primary mission : serving the population and not their personal interests. He warned that those who fail to fulfill this commitment will face sanctions.

“Some, once appointed, turn away from their mission and prioritize their private affairs. Those who do not love their country will betray their commitments and will have to answer for them,” the Head of State told the residents gathered for the ceremony.

The new district administrator’s commitments

Éloge Najeneza, the new administrator of Cibitoke district, promised to remain close to the residents and work in a spirit of inclusion. “I will do nothing without consultation. I will listen to all citizens and serve everyone without distinction,” he affirmed.

Protests over the selection of representatives

However, protests are already brewing in several villages and neighborhoods of the district. According to residents, some representatives elected by the population have been removed from the lists in favor of people close to the ruling party, or who have given money to local officials and members of the Independent District Electoral Commission (CECI).

The villages cited in these protests are Rugeregere, Munyika, Mparambo, Kagazi, Nyamagana, Rusiga, and Karurama. Residents are demanding the reinstatement of the truly elected officials, believing that it will be difficult to accept leaders imposed against the will of the people.