Burundi's Council of Ministers convened in Gitega, the country's Political Capital, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to approve significant judicial and administrative reforms. This key meeting, held in the nation's Political Capital, saw the Council address a wide array of legislative and administrative matters. During the session, the Council adopted a draft organic law aimed at reorganizing the Supreme Court, a critical component of the country's judicial system. This meeting followed a preparatory session held two days prior, on September 14, 2026, indicating careful preparation for the full agenda. The legislative initiative represents a key step in the government's broader efforts to restructure the nation's legal and governance frameworks, aiming for greater efficiency and transparency. The approved draft law will now move forward in the legislative process, impacting the structure and functions of one of Burundi's highest judicial bodies and signaling a commitment to modernizing the legal system.
Judicial System Overhaul
The Council of Ministers session was presided over by His Excellency Mr. President of the Republic, Major General Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE, showing the high-level commitment to these reforms. During the meeting, the Council adopted a draft organic law aimed at modifying organic law n°1/02 of January 23, 2021. This earlier law pertained to the Superior Council of the Magistracy, the body responsible for overseeing the judiciary, and the new draft seeks to update its provisions to reflect contemporary governance principles. The project specifically aims to insert provisions for the procedure of rectifying cases that have been misjudged and to determine the competent body responsible for executing these rectifications, ensuring a clearer pathway for judicial error correction.
Additionally, the Council of Ministers approved a draft law that proposes changes to law n°1/001 of January 29, 2000. This legislation outlines the Status of Magistrates, a fundamental framework that has been in place since February 2000, governing the roles and responsibilities of judicial officers. The reform project for this status aims to introduce specific provisions regarding the procedure for rectifying cases that have been misjudged, providing a structured mechanism for addressing judicial errors. It also seeks to determine the competent body responsible for executing these rectifications within the judicial system, thereby enhancing accountability and fairness.
Innovations proposed within the Magistrates' status reform include new categorizations for Magistrates, which are expected to streamline career progression and specialization within the judiciary. The draft law also addresses conditions for recruitment and advancement within the judiciary, aiming to attract and retain highly qualified legal professionals. A key objective of these reforms is to ensure the independence of Magistrates from the Ministry of Justice, a key step towards strengthening judicial autonomy and preventing executive influence. The proposed changes are intended to enhance the accountability of Jurisdiction Presidents, thereby reinforcing oversight within the court system and promoting good governance. These full changes are designed to foster a more strong, independent, and accountable judicial system in Burundi.
The Supreme Court functions as the highest ordinary jurisdiction in the Republic of Burundi, making its structural and operational integrity critical. The reform project specifically aims to revise the existing text that governs the Supreme Court, ensuring its regulations are current and effective. The primary goal of this revision is to remove potential executive interference in the court's operations, a move intended to bolster the judiciary's independence and impartiality. This initiative is part of a broader effort to clarify judicial processes and uphold the integrity of the country's highest court, thereby reinforcing public trust in the legal system. The adoption of the draft organic law reorganizing the Supreme Court marks a significant step in this direction, promising a more transparent and autonomous judicial branch.
Public Administration Modernization
Burundi's Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree modifying decree n°100/048 of March 12, 2019, which previously concerned the National Agency for the Promotion and Regulation of Cooperatives in Burundi (ANACOOP). The Agency is now named the National Agency of Cooperatives, reflecting a streamlined designation and possibly a refined mandate. This change is part of broader efforts to refine the operational frameworks of public entities, ensuring they are efficient and responsive to national development goals.
The Council also adopted a draft decree modifying decree n°100/178 of July 7, 2023, on the classification of public service jobs in Burundi. The existing job classification framework was originally established in 2018, providing a foundational structure for public sector employment. Further, an equitable salary policy for public service employees was adopted in 2022, providing a foundation for ongoing adjustments to compensation structures. These modifications aim to update the classification system to align with current administrative needs and government policies, ensuring fair and consistent remuneration across the public service.
Another draft decree adopted by the Council modified decree n°100/054 of March 29, 2024, which governs the creation and management of the Universal Service Fund for ICTs in Burundi. The Universal Service Fund for ICTs is currently governed by a decree from March 2024, noting its relatively recent establishment and ongoing development. The new modifications seek to refine the operational guidelines of this fund, which plays a key role in the nation's information and communication technology infrastructure development and access initiatives.
Additionally, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree outlining the missions, organization, and functioning of the Higher Institute of Business Management (ISGE). The ISGE was originally created in 1987, serving as an important educational institution in the country for decades. The tutelage of ISGE was transferred to the Ministry in charge of Public Service in 2021, indicating a shift in its administrative oversight and strategic alignment. The new decree provides an updated framework for the institute's operations, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness in training future business leaders.
The Government of Burundi initiated a major administrative reform focused on decentralization and deconcentration of public services in July 2025. This reform aims to bring public services closer to citizens and improve governance efficiency at local levels. The new organic framework law for Public Establishments has been in effect since June 2024, providing a standardized legal basis for the creation and management of various public institutions, thereby promoting consistency and accountability. The ongoing reforms show the government's commitment to modernizing its administrative structures, enhancing service delivery, and fostering better public engagement.
Institutional and Infrastructure Developments
The Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree modifying decree n°100/184 of December 7, 2018, which governs the missions, organization, and functioning of the Burundian Office of Mines and Quarries (OBM). The OBM currently operates under a decree enacted in 2018, providing the legal framework for its activities in the mining sector. Changes to this framework follow the revision of Burundi's mining code in 2023, indicating an effort to align the OBM's operations with the updated national mining policies and regulations. This adjustment is key for the effective management and development of Burundi's natural resources.
A note on the refrigerated terminal at Melchior Ndadaye Airport was presented during the session. This refrigerated infrastructure was constructed at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport as part of the Local Economy Development Project (PDLE), which received significant funding from the World Bank. The Commission proposed awarding the contract for operating this refrigerated terminal to the mixed company Burundi Airlines, recognizing its potential role in logistics and trade. Subsequently, the Council of Ministers decided to transfer the refrigerated infrastructure to Burundi Airlines as an additional capital contribution, effectively integrating this vital asset into the airline's operational capacity to support agricultural exports and other perishable goods.
Another presentation involved a conceptual project for the valorization, through renovation and rehabilitation, of the OUA Quarter. Construction of the OUA Quarter originally began in 1973 and it was inaugurated in 1975, serving as a landmark for decades. The Council of Ministers recommended that the renovation plan for the OUA Quarter should incorporate the construction of villas corresponding to the number of countries in the African Union, envisioning it as a diplomatic and hospitality hub. The plan also includes provisions for a conference hall and an international-class hotel, further enhancing its capacity to host international events and dignitaries.
International Cooperation and Future Steps
The Council of Ministers discussed a draft Headquarters Agreement between the Government of Burundi and the General Secretariat of the Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities of Africa (AAACA). The concept for establishing the AAACA first emerged in 2009 during a conference held in Bujumbura, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to combating corruption on the continent. Burundi was subsequently designated as the host country for the AAACA General Secretariat Headquarters in 2013, solidifying its role in the organization's development and its dedication to regional anti-corruption efforts. However, the Council of Ministers determined it was premature to make a decision on the Headquarters Agreement during the session, indicating a need for further review or negotiation. Officials suggested that the agreement be presented again at a later date for further consideration, allowing for a more thorough evaluation of its terms and implications. The press release summarizing these decisions was issued in Gitega on September 17, 2026, providing official communication on the outcomes of the full Council meeting.