Burundi's president swears in new environment minister

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza Tuesday swore in Celestin Ndayizeye as the new east African country's minister for water, environment, territory planning and urbanization, replacing Emmanuel Niyonkuru assassinated on Jan. 1 in the Burundian capital Bujumbura.

The ceremony attended by the country's top leaders and diplomats accredited in Burundi took place at Kigobe Parliament house.

In his oath, Ndayizeye swore fidelity to the Burundian unity charter, the national constitution and other laws.

"Before the Burundian president and the parliament, I swear fidelity to the National Unity Charter, the National Constitution and other laws. I commit to dedicate all my forces to defend high interests of the nation, to promote unity and cohesion of Burundian people, to promote peace and social justice in accomplishing my assignments," said Ndayizeye.

He also committed to combat "every genocide ideology and exclusion" as well as all kinds of discrimination.

The new minister also pledged to promote human rights and liberties.

Ndayizeye was appointed by Nkurunziza in a presidential decree on Monday evening.

Ndayizeye, a senator elected in Muramvya constituency, replaced Niyonkuru, also born in Muramvya, who was assassinated on Jan. 1 in the Burundian capital Bujumbura.

Investigations into his assassination are still underway.

Niyonkuru, 54, was shot dead with a firearm in front of his house in Rohero.

He had been the minister for water, environment, territory planning and urbanization since August 2015. Enditem