The Rt Revd Eraste Bigirimana, the Bishop of Bujumbura Diocese in the Anglican Church of Burundi, has been elected by the House of Bishops of Burundi to serve as the sixth Archbishop and Primate of the province and its nine dioceses.
The election was held on May 21, 2026, and the installation is planned for August 23, 2026, at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Bujumbura, where Bishop-Elect Eraste will succeed the former primate, the Most Revd Sixbert Macumi, who has led the Province of the Anglican Church of Burundi since 2021.
Speaking about his election as Primate of the Anglican Church of Burundi, Bishop Eraste told Anglican News: ‘I am deeply honoured and humbled by my election as the 6th Archbishop of the Province of Burundi. I thank God for His faithfulness and express my sincere appreciation to everyone who has prayed for and supported me.
‘As I look forward to my installation on the 23rd August 2026, my hope is that it will mark a new season of unity, spiritual renewal and faithful service to the people of God. I ask for your continued prayers as we work together to advance Christ’s mission in Burundi and beyond.’
About the Archbishop-Elect
Born in 1964 in what is now Buhumuza Province, Bishop Eraste comes from an Anglican family. He attended Buhiga Teachers’ College and in 1987 entered the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Burundi, specialising in African Languages and Literatures. He holds two degrees: one in Human Sciences/African Languages and Literature, and another in Divinity (Theology) at Uganda Christian University.
Bishop Eraste was consecrated as Bishop in 2005, becoming the first Bishop of Muyinga Diocese and in 2013 was appointed to lead the Diocese of Bujumbura. In September 2025, Bishop Eraste was appointed as a coordinator of the Anglican Francophone Network (Réseau Francophone Anglican).
Bishop Eraste is also a member of the National Security Council and, as such, is a trusted figure in civil society. His appointment to leadership could aid the collaborative relationship between the Anglican Church of Burundi and the Government of Burundi, which regularly work together to advance development initiatives.
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