MUKAZA, April 7 (ABP) – Burundi commemorated, on Monday, April 6, 2026, the 32nd anniversary of the assassination of President Cyprien Ntaryamira. The ceremonies began with a mass held at the Regina Mundi Cathedral.
In his homily, Abbot Félix Fupi emphasized that this commemoration coincides with the Easter period, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, a symbol of victory over original sin. He added that this divine light should guide every citizen to adopt exemplary behavior and work for good, like the disciples driven by peace and kindness.
Referring to the legacy of the late Cyprien Ntaryamira, Abbot Fupi recalled that he was a man devoted to truth. His speeches deeply touched the hearts of Burundians. He urged the population to pray so that God may guide the country in preserving values of integrity.
The ceremonies continued with the laying of a wreath on his grave by the President of the Republic, Evariste Ndayishimiye. They were attended by high-ranking authorities of the country. Representatives of the defense and security forces, the diplomatic and consular corps, and other senior state officials were also present.
In Cibitoke commune, the ceremonies marking this day began with an ecumenical prayer at the monument dedicated to national heroes. Six wreaths were then laid at the said monument respectively by the administration, the CNDD-FDD, FRODEBU and UPRONA parties, as well as the women’s forum and the youth forum. On most of the wreaths, one could read: “your advice will remain engraved in our memories, we promise to always follow your advice, youth let us work in unity, the source of development.” The festivities concluded with attentive listening to the speech to the nation of the late President Ntaryamira, delivered at his inauguration.
In Karusi commune, the activities were marked by the broadcast of an excerpt from a speech by the late President Cyprien Ntaryamira, in which he called for respect for human rights, social justice, and harmonious coexistence among all components of Burundian society. He emphasized that Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa are equal before the law and ought to live without discrimination.
The administrator of Karusi commune, Vanessa Butoyi, took the opportunity to invite participants to observe a minute of silence in memory of the deceased. Mrs. Butoyi also urged residents to promote public hygiene, recalling that cleanliness is a pillar of development. She further warned against behaviors that hinder progress, notably the pursuit of personal interests and the waste of harvests.
Note that the ceremony ended with the laying of wreaths at the monument of national unity, carried out successively by representatives of the administration, the CNDD-FDD and APDR political parties.
In Makamba commune, the activities began with a mass celebrated at Saint Pierre Claver parish of Makamba. They continued at the site reserved for monuments to national heroes located in the Mukenke neighborhood.
In his address, the governor of Burunga, Parfait Mboninyibuka, urged the people to engage in family empowerment activities and community development. He also indicated that hygiene and sanitation activities must concern everyone in public places and wherever many people gather. The population living near roads is called upon to respect road boundaries.
He finally asked them to implement the advice advocated by President Ntaryamira regarding discipline and respect for laws and leaders.
In Mwaro commune, the ceremonies began with a mass celebrated at Saint Léonidas parish of Mwaro. In his homily, Father Valentin Nsabimana explained that, during this period when the resurrection of Jesus Christ is commemorated, Burundians should always remember in order to pay tribute and reflect on their future as well as that of the country.
It is also an opportunity to learn to respect human life and to pray for the deceased by showing love. Valentin Nsabimana urged people to imitate God, to give life rather than take it from others. The activities continued with the laying of wreaths at the commemorative monument by the communal administration, the CNDD-FDD party, and finally UPRONA.
Participants listened to the speech of the late President Cyprien Ntaryamira, delivered during his inauguration.
In Rutana commune, the ceremonies began with a mass celebrated at Saint Joseph Cathedral of Rutana. A remembrance march then led participants to the commemorative monument in the Birongozi neighborhood. On site, the national anthem was sung, followed by the broadcast of an excerpt from the speech delivered by the deceased at his inauguration.
The laying of wreaths marked a highlight of the ceremony, carried out successively by administrative authorities, the ruling party, FRODEBU; the political party of origin of the deceased, as well as UPRONA.
Taking the floor, the communal administrator of Rutana, Gordien Ntakirutimana, focused his speech on the moral legacy left by President Ntaryamira, particularly his call for discipline in all sectors of national life. He invited citizens to embrace these values by adopting exemplary behavior in school, professional, political, and family environments.
Addressing the issue of hygiene, the communal authority insisted on the need to strengthen sanitation actions. He warned that coercive measures will be taken against offenders. Moreover, he called on local leaders to intensify awareness efforts and ensure the effective application of hygiene rules.