BUJUMBURA, January 3rd (ABP) – On the occasion of the 4th day of the national thanksgiving prayer for the end of the year 2024 in the mayor of Bujumbura, the Head of State, Evariste Ndayishimiye, gave some information to leaders to encourage them to change their mentality and behaviour in order to better serve the nation and contribute to the country’s development.
The President of the Institute for Women’s Heath in America, Valérie Huber, praised the fact that Burundians have chosen to put God first in everything they do. She asked the leaders present to take Moses as their model, and to remain faithful in their respective roles. According to her, a good leader is one who shows humility in his daily responsibilities. In that respect, she points out that humility is not weakness, but a willingness to work for the common good. Exemplary leaders must also promote the development of girls and women, who are the pillars not only of national development but also, and above all, of family development.
She pointed out that at United Nations General Assemblies, she advised Burundian authorities to fight for Burundian customs and mores, and to pass laws while maintaining sovereignty. She praised Burundi for declining to pass laws on homosexuality and abortion. Leaders must also avoid an inferiority complex to promote the country’s development.
Based on the Holy Scriptures from the Gospel according to Luke chapter 12, verses 35-48, Abbé Dieudonné Nibizi showed that God is sovereign. He knows everything, even what the eyes of men cannot see, that is, what is hidden in their hearts. For that reason, he said, everyone must remember that God is the creator of heaven and earth, of the visible and the invisible. Nibizi stresses that we must avoid forgetting God by allowing ourselves to be carried away by the things of the earth, but that we must give God the place he deserves.
Addressing the leaders, the preacher asked them to use the intelligence and wisdom granted by God to lead the country. According to him, they must listen to God’s voice, avoid sin and be faithful and wise stewards as God wishes. They must also remain faithful to their commitments and serve the population properly. According to Abbé Nibizi, those same leaders must be characterized by honesty, love for those they lead, compassion and justice, while avoiding selfishness.
Taking the floor, the Head of State expressed his thanks to Valérie Huber from America for her valuable advice. He informed her that Burundi is at the forefront in promoting the rights of girls and women. According to the Burundian leader, women play a key role in the development of households in particular, and of the country in general. With regard to safeguarding the country’s customs and mores, homosexuality and abortion have no place in Burundi, as those acts are contrary to the country’s customs and mores.
Concerning the choice of worthy councillors, the President of the Republic of Burundi pointed out that there are those who occupy councillor posts but do not deserve them. He therefore asked the leaders present to start the year 2025 by changing their mentality and any bad behavior that could be detrimental to national development. He urged them to avoid hypocrisy, but also to be honest men and women. According to the Head of State, leaders must also avoid laziness, corruption and lies. They must be visionaries if they are to move towards a Burundi that will be emerging in 2040 and developed in 2060.