Burundi Shows Little Desire for Reform - Rights Group

On September 7, Burundi's president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, removed government officials he said he no longer trusted.
Security Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca replaced Alain Guillaume Bunyoni as prime minister after a unanimous vote in parliament, according to the national broadcaster RTNB.

Given Bunyoni's poor record on human rights, including at one time overseeing security forces who committed serious violations against real and perceived opponents, his ouster might otherwise be commendable. However according to Human Rights Watch his appointment is likely a step back in terms of safeguarding fundamental rights in Burundi.

Ndirakobuca was chief adviser to former president Pierre Nkurunziza, on police matters, during a violent crackdown in 2015 when police shot live rounds at demonstrators opposing Nkurunziza's third term.

The U.S. Treasury said that in early June 2015, "witnesses claimed Ndirakobuca shot a civilian, during a clash between patrolling youths and Burundian police." The EU in turn, reports that Ndirakobuca issued "instructions that led to disproportionate use of force, acts of violence, acts of repression and violations of international human rights law against protesters. Both the U.S. Treasury and the EU imposed sanctions on him.

Ndirakobuca's appointment shows that President Ndayishimiye may prefer an enforcer, over someone committed to meaningful human rights reforms the rights group said.