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The hidden agenda in Burundi’s military reshuffle as Ndayishimiye plots for 2027.
On
February 6, President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi initiated a major
military reshuffle amidst growing internal wrangles resulting from a
disagreement on the deployment of Burundian troops to the east of the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to support the Congolese army coalition in
fighting M23 rebels.
This
restructuring notably led to the removal of Brig Gen Silas Pacifique Nsaguye
who was serving as chief of military intelligence. Nsaguye's term abruptly
concluded after two years, following Col Ernest Musaba, whose tenure was marred
by forced disappearances of a number of civilians in 2021.
Nsaguye's
removal raises questions since under his leadership, military intelligence had
not been involved in criminal activities as was the case under the leadership
of Musaba.
Nsaguye
was appointed the principal inspector in charge of administration, social
budget and good governance within the defense ministry's cadres top institute
(ISCAM).
Col
Jean d’Affaires Manirakiza became the new chief of military intelligence.
Manirakiza is a modest man within Burundi’s army, compared to Nsaguye, lacking
operational skills and military command experience.
However,
Manirakiza is much known for his unwavering loyalty to Ndayishimiye, which is
the most likely reason why he was appointed in the office.
Security
analysists say that given Manirakiza’s reputation as more of an academic than a
military strategist, his appointment will obviously weaken Burundi’s military
intelligence.
These
misalignments come while Burundi is facing a heavy crisis as it deals with the
unreasonable troop deployment to eastern DRC which went wrong. According to
sources from Gitega, Nsaguye, Gen Ntigurirwa, and Gen Agricole Ntirampeba have
been, allegedly, on Kinshasa’s payroll. Things went so wrong when they failed
to share their pay equally.
Their
wrangle is believed to be the primary reason behind Nsaguye's dismissal. The
latter's tenure as head of military intelligence was marked by failure to
provide accurate information to Kinshasa, resulting in setbacks for the
Burundian troops and leading to numerous casualties and captives as they
battled the M23 rebels in DRC's North Kivu Province.
The
reshuffle included other significant appointments such as Maj Gen Jean-Claude
Niyiburana succeeding Brig Gen Venuste Nduwayo as the Land Forces Commander,
and Brig Gen Gaspard Baratuza re-appointed as the army spokesperson.
Ndayishimiye
is facing instability and pressure from military and political officials,
prompting sudden reshuffles each and every week.
His
controversial decisions, like deploying Burundian troops to the DRC and closing
the border with Rwanda, alongside worsening socio-economic conditions,
contribute to the turmoil.
In
late January, Ndayishimiye was said to be leaving no stone unturned in an
effort to eliminate the Secretary General of the ruling CNDD-FDD party,
Révérien Ndikuriyo, so as to gain more influence in the party to successfully
prepare for a second term come 2027.
The
Burundian President insecure, knowing that he is unpopular among government and
military officials. The country’s population is not happy with him too for the
numerous mistakes he has been making, including closing the border with Rwanda.
Members
of CNDD-FDD accuse Ndayishimiye of destabilizing the party by eliminating
influential businessmen, politicians and military cadres to gain full control
of the party, and remain the sole decision maker.
