NTAHANGWA, January 5th (ABP) – The Secretary General of the CNDD-FDD party, Révérien Ndikuriyo, urged Burundian authorities to be true leaders, acting with sincerity in their duties. He was speaking at a press conference he held on Friday, January 2, 2025, in Bujumbura, before CNDD-FDD party officials and members.
Ndikuriyo began by expressing his satisfaction with the outcomes of the legislative elections, in which the CNDD-FDD party won with over 96% of the vote. According to him, these outcomes demonstrate the unity of Burundians. He affirmed that the CNDD-FDD party was founded by the people of Burundi. He reassured everyone that the CNDD-FDD party is committed to working in a climate of peace and security until sustainable development for all is achieved.
During the press conference, Ndikuriyo stated that a true leader must help others develop.
Addressing the prevailing security situation in the region, the Secretary General of the ruling party called on the population to exercise discernment in order to understand the root causes of regional tensions. He also clarified that, within the framework of the bilateral agreement between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundian soldiers are still present in certain areas of the latter, but that some soldiers have been withdrawn to prevent manipulation by others.
Regarding his resignation from the Senate, Révérien Ndikuriyo explained that he did so in order to make way for others. He invited other leaders to adopt this culture, arguing that it is unnecessary to cling to power indefinitely when others are capable of fulfilling it. He emphasized the need to work with transparency and honesty, reiterating that it is unacceptable to deceive the public by claiming to serve the country while holding other positions.
On the often-criticized issue of justice, Mr. Ndikuriyo reminded everyone that no one is above the law. He warned anyone who commits illegal acts while believing they are protected by influential authorities.
Regarding agricultural development, the Secretary General of the CNDD-FDD party indicated that avocado cultivation, currently being promoted, should generate significant foreign currency, specifying that Burundi could achieve encouraging outcomes by 2029-2030.
Regarding the fertilizer shortage, he clarified that FOMI is not a public institution but a supplier that has been awarded a contract, adding that the Ministry responsible for Agriculture remains the competent body to address farmers’ concerns.
Concerning the non-payment of census takers who participated in the 2024 General Population, Housing, Agriculture and Livestock Census (RGPHAE) for additional days worked, Révérien Ndikuriyo indicated that he would speak with the chair of the Central Census Bureau (BCR) to understand the reasons for this payment delay.
Addressing the issue of employees who abandon their posts to go elsewhere or abroad, he reiterated that all those trained by the State have a duty to serve their country.
Finally, Révérien Ndikuriyo called on Burundians to be “a light for the region,” before offering Burundians his New Year 2026’s best wishes, hoping it would be a year of blessings and the fulfillment of the Burundian people’s aspirations.