Burundi shakeup may not signal immediate change

Significance

This ends a long-standing feud between the president and his former prime minister, who were on opposite sides of a debate about openness versus continuity in the ruling party. Their feud even produced rumours of a possible coup.

Impacts

• Ndayishimiye may continue to talk of reform but will avoid far-reaching actions that risk alienating too many ruling party heavyweights.
• New technocratic ministers will struggle to deliver on Ndayishimiye’s promises to ease economic hardship amid major structural challenges.
• Relations between the president and new prime minister are built on weak foundations and may yet sour in the future.