GITEGA, April 24 (ABP) – The ceremonies of the interfaith prayer organized by the CNDD-FDD party continued on Thursday afternoon, April 23, 2026, at Ingoma Stadium in Gitega, following a mass celebrated at Saint François d’Assise parish of Magar ama.
In his address, the president of the Republic and chairman of the council of elders of the CNDD-FDD party, Evariste Ndayishimiye, called on leaders to be role models for those under their responsibility. He stressed that humility should characterize every citizen, particularly leaders, while acknowledging that it is not always easy to remain humble when exercising leadership roles.
The Head of State also indicated that this prayer is part of the preparatory framework for a self-evaluation retreat of the CNDD-FDD party scheduled to take place soon in Gitega. He thus invited participants to pray for the smooth running of these sessions, so that they lead to a thorough evaluation capable of informing decision-making, particularly in the implementation of the 2040)2060 vision.
Speaking in turn, the Secretary-General of the CNDD-FDD party, Révérien Ndikuriyo, stated that this gathering is an opportunity to give thanks to God for His daily blessings. He urged the Bagumyabanga to take advantage of this moment for self-evaluation, while calling on leaders to make positive changes in the way they serve the population.
Mr. Ndikuriyo also thanked party members as well as all Burundians for their commitment to the country’s development activities.
He further thanked God for allowing party members to be alive on that April 23, 2026, marking the beginning of these prayers.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Head of State for honoring those activities with his presence, as well as to all party members taking part.
He specified that the said prayers constitute a moment of self-evaluation, conversion and gratitude to God for his continued blessings upon the Burundian people, notably the honor granted to Burundi to ho ld the presidency of the African Union. He took the opportunity to wish the Head of State great success in this responsibility.
Moreover, he urged leaders to seize this opportunity to evaluate themselves and verify whether they truly serve as role models for those they lead, by demonstrating responsibility and attentiveness toward them. He encouraged them to initiate change themselves if they wish to see it in others.
On that occasion, he invited members of the ruling party present to carefully follow the teachings that will be delivered by the Head of State throughout these three days of prayer, in order to draw lasting lessons from them.
During her sermon, Pastor Denise Nkurunziza, drawing on biblical references related to the theme of the day, emphasized the importance of exemplary leadership in building a harmonious society.
According to her, leaders must be aware that they are at the service of the people and that they guide individuals created by God. She called on them to demonstrate love for others, humility, and to lead by example. She also urged the governed to respect their leaders.