Burundi's Council of Ministers convened in Gitega on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to consider a series of legislative reforms. The meeting, which saw eleven draft laws under analysis, was presided over by the Head of State, Evariste Ndayishimiye. Among the items discussed, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree outlining the missions, organization, and functioning of the Higher Institute of Business Management (ISGE). This decision signifies a step in the government's efforts to restructure key public agencies and educational institutions. The full agenda tackled a wide array of governance areas, signaling a proactive approach to modernizing the nation's administrative and legal frameworks.
Judicial System Overhaul
Burundi's Council of Ministers has approved a series of legislative changes aimed at restructuring the nation's judicial system. The Council adopted a draft organic law modifying organic law n°1/02 of January 23, 2021, which governs the organization and functioning of the Supreme Judicial Council. This legislative action also included the adoption of a draft law modifying law n°1/001 of January 29, 2000, which pertains to the reform of the magistrates' status. Additionally, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft organic law specifically reorganizing the Supreme Court. These reforms collectively aim to enhance the efficiency, independence, and accountability of the Burundian judiciary.
The Supreme Judicial Council's responsibilities include controlling the quality of judgments, rulings, and other judicial decisions issued within the country. This oversight function is key for maintaining legal standards and public trust in the judicial process. The adopted draft law concerning the Supreme Judicial Council introduces provisions for a specific procedure designed to rectify cases that have been misjudged. This new procedure also aims to determine the competent body responsible for executing these rectifications, according to the government's announcement. The inclusion of such a mechanism shows a commitment to addressing judicial errors and ensuring fair outcomes.
The reform of the magistrates' status addresses a framework that has been in place since February 2000. This long-standing framework, dating specifically from February 2000, is now being updated to meet contemporary requirements. Innovations within this reform include a new categorization system for magistrates and a revised grade nomenclature. The draft law also outlines new conditions for recruitment and advancement within the magistracy. These changes are designed to professionalize the judicial career path and attract qualified individuals. A key change is the establishment of the magistracy's independence from the Ministry of Justice, alongside enhanced accountability measures for presidents of jurisdictions. This move is expected to bolster judicial autonomy and integrity.
Under the new provisions, the recruitment and assignment of a magistrate are designated for a national mandate. This means a magistrate's role cannot be confined to a specific province or commune, emphasizing a broader national scope for judicial appointments. This national mandate is intended to ensure a more equitable distribution of judicial expertise and prevent localized influences. The promotion of a magistrate from a Tribunal to a Court will now require adapted and certified training. This training is to be organized by the Ministry of Justice, ensuring that magistrates receive appropriate preparation for higher judicial roles. The requirement for specialized training aims to equip magistrates with the necessary skills for more complex legal responsibilities.
The President of the Republic is designated as the guarantor of the independence of the magistracy under the newly adopted framework. This provision aims to safeguard the judiciary's autonomy in its functions, reinforcing the separation of powers. The Supreme Court, as outlined in the reforms, remains the highest ordinary jurisdiction of the Republic. Its primary role is to ensure the proper application of law by all lower Courts and Tribunals across the country, maintaining consistency and integrity in judicial rulings. The reorganization of the Supreme Court is intended to strengthen its capacity to fulfill this critical oversight function and uphold the rule of law throughout Burundi.
Public Agency Modernization
The Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree modifying decree n°100/048 of March 12, 2019, which addressed the organization, missions, and functioning of the National Agency for the Promotion and Regulation of Cooperatives (ANACOOP). Under the new provisions, ANACOOP will be renamed the National Agency of Cooperatives. This revised structure will see ANACOOP operate as an administrative personalized State Administration, distinctively without a board of directors. This change is part of a broader effort to streamline the governance and operational efficiency of state entities, focusing on direct administrative oversight rather than a board structure for this specific agency.
Further reforms included the adoption of a draft decree modifying decree n°100/178 of July 07, 2023, which pertains to the classification of public service jobs in Burundi. The framework for job classification and rating in the Burundian public service was originally established in 2018. This foundational framework from 2018 has been subject to continuous refinement. This latest decree follows the adoption of an equitable salary policy in 2022, indicating a continued effort to streamline and standardize employment within the public sector. The equitable salary policy, adopted in 2022, provides a critical backdrop for these adjustments, aiming to ensure fairness and transparency in public service compensation. The government has been engaged in administrative reforms focused on decentralization and deconcentration of public services since July 2025, with these recent legislative changes contributing to that broader initiative. These ongoing reforms, initiated in July 2025, reflect a strategic vision for more localized and responsive public administration.
The Council of Ministers also adopted a draft decree modifying 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 itself regulated by a decree that came into effect in March 2024. This fund, established by a decree in March 2024, plays a vital role in expanding access to information and communication technologies across the nation. These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to refine the operational frameworks of key public entities and services, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The new law concerning the organic framework of public establishments has been in effect since June 2024, providing a contemporary legislative backdrop for these administrative modifications. This law, in force since June 2024, sets the overarching legal parameters for the creation, organization, and functioning of public entities. Alongside these changes, the Council previously adopted a draft decree outlining the missions, organization, and functioning of the Higher Institute of Business Management (ISGE). ISGE, a long-standing institution, was originally created in 1987, making its current restructuring part of a full update to public educational and administrative bodies. Established in 1987, ISGE has a long history of contributing to business education in Burundi, and its current reforms aim to align it with modern educational and economic demands. These collective reforms show the government's commitment to modernizing its public agencies and administrative systems, aligning them with current policy directives and operational needs for greater efficiency and public service delivery.
Institutional Updates and Future Projects
The Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree modifying decree n°100/184 of December 07, 2018, which addresses the missions, organization, and functioning of the Burundian Office of Mines and Quarries (OBM). The OBM is currently governed by a decree from 2018, and Burundi's mining code was revised in 2023. These legislative instruments, the 2018 decree and the 2023 revised mining code, form the regulatory foundation for the country's mining sector. The Council recommended suppressing OBM provincial and communal branches as part of these changes. This recommendation suggests a move towards a more centralized or streamlined operational model for the OBM, potentially enhancing efficiency and oversight at the national level.
Regarding the Higher Institute of Business Management (ISGE), its tutelage was transferred to the ministry in charge of the Civil Service in 2021, and its 'diploma-awarding training' component was suppressed at that time. This previous reorientation in 2021 significantly altered ISGE's mandate and administrative reporting. The new project, however, consecrates the return of ISGE under the tutelage of the ministry having Finance in its attributions. This shift back to the Ministry of Finance indicates a strategic decision to reintegrate ISGE more closely with economic and financial policy objectives, potentially re-emphasizing its role in business management directly related to the nation's financial landscape.
Additionally, a conceptual note was presented for a valorization project focusing on the renovation and rehabilitation of the OUA Quarter. Construction of the OUA Quarter began in 1973 and was inaugurated in 1975. This historical complex, built between 1973 and 1975, holds significant national importance. The OUA Quarter was initially planned to host the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Summit, but the summit was ultimately relocated to Kampala. Despite the relocation of the OAU Summit to Kampala, the quarter remained a notable landmark. The Council of Ministers recommended that the renovation plan for the OUA Quarter include villas corresponding to the number of African Union member countries, a conference room, and an international-class hotel. These ambitious plans are designed to transform the OUA Quarter into a modern facility capable of hosting international events and accommodating dignitaries. These initiatives align with the national vision of 'Burundi emerging country in 2040, developed country in 2060'. This forward-looking vision provides the overarching strategic framework for such development projects, aiming to elevate Burundi's status on the regional and international stages.
International Cooperation Discussions
Burundi's Council of Ministers deliberated on a draft headquarters agreement between the country and the General Secretariat of the Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities of Africa (AAACA). The concept for establishing the AAACA originated during a conference held in Bujumbura in 2009. This initial conference in Bujumbura in 2009 laid the groundwork for the creation of this important continental body. Four years later, in 2013, Burundi was officially designated as the host country for the AAACA General Secretariat during a meeting in Accra. The decision made in Accra in 2013 showed Burundi's commitment to the fight against corruption and its willingness to play a central role in regional efforts. However, the Council of Ministers concluded that it was premature to make a decision on the proposed headquarters agreement at this time. This deferral suggests that further review or negotiations may be required before a final agreement is reached, indicating a cautious approach to international commitments.