GITEGA, April 28 (ABP) – The CDD-FDD party continued, on the afternoon of Friday, April 24, 2026, at Ingoma Stadium in Gitega (political capital and center of Burundi), the activities of the three-day interfaith prayer dedicated to self-evaluation and conversion, a check on site by ABO has revealed.
During the second day of the thanksgiving prayer, self-evaluation, and conversion organized by the CNDD-FDD party, the President of the Republic of Burundi and chairman of the council of elders of the said party, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, indicated that God revealed Himself to Burundians during the period when the CNDD-FDD movement was still engaged in the struggle for peace and democracy, announcing to them that Burundi would experience peace once led by a believing leader devoted to prayer.
According to him, Burundians must always remember the country’s past and the path traveled in order to recognize that God’s promises to Burundi have been fulfilled. He stressed that today, leaders and citizens engage in dialogue like a parent with a child, which constitutes undeniable evidence of the peace promised by God. He also mentioned as another sign the existence of good governance characterized by peace and security in all sectors.
The Head of State thus urged leaders to be good shepherds, capable of properly guiding the people entrusted to them by God. He warned that any leader who does not fulfill this mission should be removed from office. “A leader who does not humble himself is like a demon; he ceases to be a shepherd. We must respect our country. Let us build it together in unity,” he declared.
He concluded his message calling on Burundians to act with transparency, unity of heart, thought, and action, while remaining attentive to the voice of God and accepting to be guided by Him (God). He did not forget to implore God to grant Burundians the strength to work, because, he indicated, everything that can sustain them is found in the country that God has given them.
In the preaching of the word of God, the first preacher of the day, Sheikh Ramadan Ndikumana, invited leaders to walk ahead of those they lead in order to guide them toward good. He also asked them to assess whether their actions direct the people onto the right path. In this regard, he called on the population to obey authorities who act in the right direction.
Sheikh Ndikumana further urged leaders to be advisors to their constituents, to accept constructive criticism, and to avoid governing under the influence of anger. He emphasized that a good leader is distinguished by kindness and patience, and that such behavior is rewarded by God. He added that a leader must know how to forgive, even in the face of offenses, and show humility, which attracts divine help in difficult times and protects the nation. He recalled that leaders must not seek their personal interests, but rather prepare a better future for all.
For his part, the Catholic Church preacher, Mr. Hilgien Ngendakumana, called on leaders not to behave as oppressors toward the population. He invited citizens to respect authorities, in accordance with biblical teachings. He also reminded that authority comes from God, thus urging leaders to act as servants of God in the exercise of their duties. He called on them to prioritize the general interest over their personal interests, emphasizing that they must not behave as exploiters.
He concluded inviting each leader to ensure that their actions are just and appreciated by the people they lead.