Burundi’s former Foreign Minister, Ézéchiel Nibigira, will lead the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), succeeding Angola’s Gilberto Verissimo.
He assumes a five-year term following his appointment at a meeting in Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
Nibigira, a seasoned diplomat with a doctorate in business administration and finance, currently serves as a member of parliament for Burundi’s ruling CNDD-FDD party.
He previously served as Burundi’s ambassador to Kenya and as minister responsible for East African Community affairs.
His experience positions him well to navigate the complex political and security dynamics in Central Africa.
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Nibigira takes office during a critical period for the 11-member bloc. Regional security and organisational reform top his agenda.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains a hotspot, with ongoing rebel activity.
Burundi, allied with Kinshasa, has tense relations with Rwanda, which supports the M23 rebel group.
Rwanda recently withdrew from ECCAS, accusing the bloc of siding with the DRC government.
In addition to security challenges, Nibigira must reform the ECCAS Commission. Poor management and declining credibility have undermined its effectiveness in recent years.
Analysts say the new president’s leadership will determine whether ECCAS can regain influence and operational efficiency.
Founded in 1983, ECCAS aims to promote economic integration, peace, and stability among Central African countries. Its members include Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Rwanda (though Rwanda has since left).
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Over the decades, the bloc has faced persistent challenges. Weak institutional coordination, management inefficiencies, and regional disputes often limit its effectiveness. Security threats, particularly in eastern DRC, continue to test ECCAS’s ability to maintain peace.
Nibigira’s appointment offers a chance to strengthen ECCAS’s credibility. He must balance diplomatic tensions, address security concerns, and advance economic integration. His success could restore the bloc’s influence and effectiveness in the region.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
