Pontien Gaciyubwenge

Pontien Gaciyubwenge is a Burundian politician and soldier. He served as Minister of National Defence in the government of President Pierre Nkurunziza until he was fired on 18 May 2015, after a failed coup d'état. On 2 May 2015, during the 2015 Burundian unrest Gaciyubwenge urged the Military of Burundi to remain neutral and act in accordance with the Arusha Agreements that ended the Burundian Civil War. He also stated that "all political actors" should avoid the use of violence. He was replaced as Minister by Emmanuel Ntahomvukiye. Gaciyubwenge holds the rank of major general.