BUJUMBURA, June 15 (ABP) – Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, accompanied by his wife, Angeline Ndayishimiye, returned to the country on June 11, 2025, after a noteworthy participation in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France. The president spokesperson Rosine Guilène Gatoni stated that this conference provided an opportunity for the Burundi Head of State to represent Africa as First Vice-President of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
During this global event organized by the United Nations, President Ndayishimiye served as a voice for Africa, calling for a synergy of efforts and global solidarity in favor of ocean protection. He took the opportunity to call for the mobilization of funds for ocean protection efforts, as well as the sharing of technologies and knowledge to better preserve marine biodiversity, Gatoni emphasized.
According to her, the Head of State issued a call for collective awareness regarding environmental protection in order to safeguard global wealth. Evariste Ndayishimiye did not fail to highlight key threats such as overfishing, pollution, climate change, and other pressing dangers that require urgent action.
President Ndayishimiye also held a bilateral meeting with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. The two Heads of State committed to strengthening the partnership between their respective countries, particularly in the sectors of education, youth, energy, and sports; which will be the focus of even stronger cooperation. They also discussed the security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they commended international and regional efforts to support the DRC restoring peace and security.
On the sidelines of the conference, Gatoni stated that Burundi joined other countries in signing an agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, concerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The minister of foreign affairs and development cooperation, Albert Shingiro, represented Burundi at the signing of this agreement.
During their discussions, Emmanuel Macron expressed particular appreciation and congratulated the Burundian Head of State for his remarkable role and Burundi’s concrete commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo, notably through the presence of Burundian soldiers as part of a bilateral military cooperation agreement and the warm reception of Congolese refugees.
According to Gatoni, President Ndayishimiye also participated in a summit entitled “Africa for the Oceans,” organized jointly by France and the Kingdom of Morocco. This event allowed African states to reaffirm their stance in favor of ocean protection and to express solidarity with landlocked countries.
The Burundian President seized this opportunity to emphasize the importance of access to the sea and oceans for landlocked countries like Burundi and called for the construction of major infrastructure projects such as railways, road networks, and robust transportation systems to facilitate trade and regional integration. “The participation of the Burundian Head of State in these international events demonstrates the respect and growing influence of Burundi on the international stage, which is a source of pride for Burundians,” Gatoni concluded.