BUJUMBURA, November 7th (ABP) – Epipode Baranyikwa, coordinator and chairman of the Flame of Peace Committee, held a press briefing on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, on the 18th edition of Torch of Peace.
Baranyikwa announced that the 18th edition of the Torch of Peace will last 22 days and will be officially launched by the Head of State, Evariste Ndayishimiye, at the Urunani stadium in Buganda, Cibitoke province, on Saturday November 9. The theme of that year’s event is: “Burundians, let’s vote for the leaders who will guide us towards realizing the vision of Burundi as an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060”.
For that 18th edition, the Caravan of the Torch of Peace will pass through the five enlarged provinces and 42 new communes that make up the new administrative division of Burundi. Throughout its itinerary, he added, the Caravan of the Torch of Peace will illuminate good development initiatives and projects, while conveying messages of peace, solidarity and unity around development.
He also recalled that the torch of peace began to be passed in Burundi in 2006, in the context of sport for peace and community work. Two initiatives designed to facilitate national reconciliation, get Burundians back to work and show Burundians and foreigners alike that Burundi is a peaceful country.
Baranyikwa took the opportunity to thank state institutions, provincial and communal administrations for their unfailing support. He also thanked the various benefactors who sponsor the event’s activities.
According to him, the 18th edition of the Flame of Peace 2024 will be experienced as a prelude to everything we will experience in 2025. An invitation and a mobilization for peaceful, free and transparent elections, he said. While inviting the population of the Buganda commune to take part in the launch of the torch of peace, he urged them to come dressed in white.