The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has entered a new chapter of leadership with the appointment of Ézéchiel Nibigira, Burundi’s former Foreign Minister, as its new president. His appointment was confirmed on Sunday during a high-level meeting in Equatorial Guinea, where he officially succeeded Angola’s Gilberto Verissimo, who had held the position since 2020.
The announcement has stirred regional interest, not only because of Nibigira’s credentials but also due to the pressing challenges that await him at the helm of one of Central Africa’s most significant regional bodies. With a mandate to promote integration, security, and economic development among its member states, ECCAS now looks to Nibigira to restore confidence in the organization’s mission.
A Profile of Leadership
Ézéchiel Nibigira brings with him an impressive background in diplomacy and governance. He holds a doctorate in business administration and finance, qualifications that underscore his blend of academic expertise and practical leadership. A prominent member of Burundi’s ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), Nibigira has been an active figure in the political landscape of his country.
His previous roles include serving as Burundi’s ambassador to Kenya and later as Minister in charge of the East African Community (EAC), where he gained firsthand experience in regional cooperation frameworks. As Foreign Minister, he oversaw diplomatic engagements that positioned Burundi within both African and global contexts. Currently a member of parliament, Nibigira remains a leading voice in his party and in national politics.
It is this blend of political influence, diplomatic experience, and academic training that has positioned him as the choice to guide ECCAS into a new era.
A Daunting Mandate Ahead
Nibigira’s presidency begins at a critical time. ECCAS, established in 1983, was created with the vision of fostering peace, security, and stability while building an integrated economic community across Central Africa. However, recent years have exposed cracks in the organization’s unity and credibility.
At the top of his agenda is the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The region has been plagued by violence involving the M23 rebel movement, which has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda. Burundi, aligned with Kinshasa, has deployed troops to assist the Congolese government. This has further strained its relations with Rwanda, a neighbor that continues to play a complex role in the conflict.
Tensions reached a breaking point when Kigali withdrew from ECCAS, accusing the organization of siding with the Congolese government. Rwanda’s exit not only weakens the bloc’s unity but also raises questions about its effectiveness as a neutral regional actor. Nibigira will therefore face the difficult task of attempting to rebuild fractured relationships, restore trust, and seek common ground among member states.
The Challenge of Reform
Another significant challenge facing Nibigira is the internal management of ECCAS itself. In recent years, the commission has come under criticism for poor governance and weak accountability. Questions have been raised about its ability to effectively implement programs, manage resources, and maintain transparency.
Observers argue that without strong institutional reforms, ECCAS risks losing credibility both within the continent and among international partners. Nibigira is therefore expected to push for reforms that streamline operations, improve financial oversight, and ensure that the organization delivers tangible results for its member states.
Rebuilding confidence in the bloc’s leadership will not be easy, but Nibigira’s background in finance and administration could prove an asset in this mission.
ECCAS in Context
ECCAS brings together 11 countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Rwanda (before its withdrawal). Collectively, these nations represent a region rich in natural resources but also grappling with recurring instability.
The bloc’s original mandate was both ambitious and far-reaching. Beyond peace and security, ECCAS was tasked with advancing economic integration, facilitating free movement of goods and people, and fostering collective development. Over the decades, however, its progress has been uneven. Persistent conflicts, weak governance structures, and overlapping memberships with other regional blocs have limited its effectiveness.
The appointment of Nibigira comes at a moment when there is renewed pressure on ECCAS to demonstrate its relevance, particularly in addressing the ongoing violence in the Great Lakes region.
A Regional Balancing Act
For Nibigira, success will depend on his ability to balance competing priorities. On one hand, he must confront immediate crises such as the war in eastern DRC and the diplomatic fallout with Rwanda. On the other hand, he must refocus attention on ECCAS’s long-term vision of economic integration and sustainable development.
This balancing act will require deft diplomacy, coalition-building, and the ability to rally member states around a shared agenda. Analysts note that his experience within the East African Community (EAC) could serve as a valuable reference point, as the EAC has made more visible progress in economic cooperation compared to ECCAS.
International Support and Expectations
The international community, including the African Union, the United Nations, and the European Union, will also be watching closely. ECCAS remains a critical partner in regional peacekeeping and development initiatives. International donors have often emphasized the need for stronger leadership and accountability within the bloc before committing additional support.
Nibigira’s presidency will therefore be judged not only by his ability to navigate regional politics but also by how effectively he positions ECCAS as a reliable partner on the global stage.
Conclusion
The appointment of Ézéchiel Nibigira as president of ECCAS marks a pivotal moment for the Central African regional body. With his blend of political experience, academic credentials, and diplomatic background, he brings both promise and responsibility to the role.
Yet the challenges are immense. From the volatile security landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the strained relations with Rwanda and the pressing need for institutional reform, his leadership will be tested from the outset.
For ECCAS, this transition represents an opportunity to reset its priorities, strengthen its credibility, and reclaim its place as a unifying force in Central Africa. For Nibigira, it is the chance to leave a lasting legacy as the leader who steered the organization through turbulence toward renewal.
Whether he succeeds will depend not only on his vision and determination but also on the willingness of member states to embrace collective responsibility in pursuit of peace, stability, and economic integration.
