Burundian Team Poised to Support Ndayishimiye’s AU Leadership

Addis Ababa, February 16, 2026 - Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye is assembling a team of trusted officials and diplomats to support his one-year tenure at the helm of the African Union (AU), with a focus on advancing the bloc’s economic and security agenda.

Ndayishimiye officially assumed the rotating presidency of the AU on February 14, 2026, succeeding Angolan President João Lourenço. In line with the organization’s rotational principles, he is expected to hand over leadership next year to the President of Ghana.

Key Figures in the Inner Circle

Among the prominent figures expected to play a central role is Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Édouard Bizimana. A seasoned diplomat, Bizimana previously served under former President Pierre Nkurunziza before being appointed special advisor to Ndayishimiye in August 2022. In August 2025, he was named Foreign Minister, replacing Albert Shingiro, who had held the post since June 2020.

Ndayishimiye and Bizimana share longstanding ties, having both originated from Gitega province and studied at the University of Burundi - a relationship seen as reinforcing political trust at the highest level of government.

Diplomatic and Security Support

Burundi’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the AU, Willy Nyamitwe, is also viewed as a key asset, given his experience in Addis Ababa, where the AU is headquartered. Though he is nearing the end of his current posting, he is expected to remain influential in supporting the AU presidency.

Other diplomats who may join the presidential support team include Ambassador Ferdinand Bashikako, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Gaudence Sindayigaya, former Ambassador to the United States; Ambassador Thérence Ntahiraja in Belgium; and Jean Bosco Bare in Washington.

On security matters, former customs chief Joseph Ndarishikanye and Adolphe Hasabindero, known for his expertise in reintegration and rehabilitation of former soldiers, are among those being considered to provide technical backing.

Formation of a Strategic Taskforce

President Ndayishimiye is reportedly preparing to establish a core team of around ten members to coordinate his AU leadership, with five already confirmed. In parallel, a national committee dubbed “Cap2026” is set to be formed in Burundi to support strategic planning efforts tied to his continental mandate. Among those expected to contribute is Ambassador Adolphe Nahayo, Director-General for Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

With a trusted circle of diplomats and technocrats, Ndayishimiye appears intent on consolidating Burundi’s diplomatic footprint while steering the African Union through a year marked by pressing economic and security challenges.