NTAHANGWA, March 29 (ABP) – The Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the defense and security forces, Evariste Ndayishimiye, led on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Saint Jean Paul II Parish (PNB Chaplaincy), the Easter retreat intended for officers of the Burundi National Police (PNB) and the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB), accompanied by their spouses.
President Ndayishimiye led this retreat under the main theme: “Kwumviriza ijwi ry’Imana kugira ngo tugarukire abahahazwa” (Listening to the voice of God in order to serve the oppressed). He drew inspiration from various biblical passages, namely Joshua 1:1-9; Romans 13:1-7; Deuteronomy 16 and Ezekiel 34:2-10. These passages highlight the key role of a leader in society, while recalling that after hearing the cries of His children, God intervened to punish leaders who abused their power.
In his teachings, the Head of State emphasized that every leader must listen to the voice of God in order to serve the population well. According to him, every leader must demonstrate planning and serve as a role model, urging participants in this Easter retreat to read the Bible because, he indicated, it provides answers to all their questions.
President Ndayishimiye also revealed that he has observed that certain sins, when committed by leaders, bring curses upon an entire nation. These include the shedding of innocent blood, injustice, oppression, as well as adultery. In his explanations, he first referred to the story of Abel and Cain, which illustrates the devastating consequences of jealousy, uncontrolled anger, and the rupture with God and humanity.
The President of the Republic questioned why Burundi, despite its many potentialities, remains ranked among poor countries. In this regard, he noted that this situation results from sins committed in the past by leaders who did not ask for forgiveness before God made a decision. According to him, to achieve development, one must have vision, faith, and patience.
He also rejected claims that the misfortunes the country has experienced originate from divisionism, stressing that they were instead caused by poor leadership. He took this opportunity to urge leaders not to abuse power while hiding behind the responsibilities entrusted to them by the country. “A good leader works tirelessly to accomplish his mission. He does not practice cohabitation outside marriage. He manages public funds as a responsible family head. A true leader and hard worker has no time for debauchery or corruption,” he emphasized. He also pointed out that true law enforcement forces do not allow fraud to enter the country.
According to the President of the Republic, a good leader must be able to guide citizens in planning activities likely to improve their living conditions. In this regard, he called on officers of the PNB and FDNB to prepare for their retirement before reaching retirement age, which, according to him, will allow them to grow old with dignity and in good health.
Mr. Ndayishimiye returned to the punishment of the people of Israel, presented as a consequence of their unfaithfulness to the divine covenant. In this context, he called on every leader to carry out a general introspection and, if necessary, to ask for forgiveness for sins committed, in order to be delivered, noting that it is better late than never.
President Ndayishimiye also reassured that Burundi is now freed from the curse inherited from the past and that its doors, once closed, are now open. “The country is now standing out in the community of nations and is beginning to be entrusted with new responsibilities,” he added.
By Willyfrid Vyamungu