The office of the presidency was established when Michel Micombero declared Burundi a republic on 28 November 1966.

[2] The powers of the president derive from the latest constitution, implemented in 2005 as a result of the 2000 Arusha Accords after the Burundian Civil War.

The president has the power to appoint military commanders, ambassadors, magistrates and provincial governors.

The president can organize government and can call for parliamentary sessions under extraordinary circumstances.

[5][a] The president is entitled to a pension after the end of their final term of office.