KAYANZA, December 4th (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Mr Evariste Ndayishimiye, proceeded on Saturday, 30 November 2024, at the Gatwaro stadium, in the headquarters of Kayanza province (North), to the closing ceremony of the Caravan of the Torch of Peace, 18th edition.
The ceremonies were also attended by a number of VIPs, including the Speaker of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, the Prime Minister, the Burundian Ombudsman, the President of the Constitutional Court, the President of the Supreme Court, the former First Lady, Denise Nkurunziza, and many others.
Outlining the activities carried out during the 22 days they spent criss-crossing the five new provinces and their 42 communes, the president of the association of caravaneers of the Torch of Peace, Mr. Épipode Baranyikwa, said that they had participated in the construction of public infrastructure. He was delighted that the people of Burundi had warmly welcomed the torch of peace.
He was delighted that the communal administrators had already implemented the recent administrative division project, deploring the fact that the provincial governors were still dragging their feet. He alluded to the fact that during their visits, the communal administrators were meeting in the chief towns of the enlarged communes, but that the provincial governors were waiting for the torch to be passed on to their administrative entities.
Apart from that, Mr Baranyikwa deplored the fact that personal, household and workplace hygiene were still a major challenge. ‘Some people have not yet understood that workplaces must be kept clean’, he said, adding that even the hygiene of city centres is not at all satisfactory, especially as the gutters are clogged. For Mr Baranyikwa, it is necessary that consistent measures be taken so that our country is characterised by hygiene and cleanliness.
He also referred to the concerns of the population that have so far remained unresolved. By way of example, he mentioned the residents living in the vicinity of the Ntare Rushatsi presidential palace who were evicted during the development of this area, but who have been waiting a long time for their compensation.
The president of the Intwararumuri association called on the President of the Republic to take all necessary measures to ensure that the rights of these residents are restored and that public infrastructure that is non-functional or in poor condition is rehabilitated.
In his speech on the occasion, the President of the Republic, Evariste Ndayishimiye, said that it was a source of pride and joy to see the torch travelling throughout the country. He recalled that the torch of peace is an eloquent sign that peace reigns in Burundi, recalling that it was dearly won. He pointed out that the torch is a national heritage that will be handed down from generation to generation’, which will enable future generations to realise that Burundi has suffered from war for a long time. ‘That way, they will attach great importance to it’, he continued.
‘This torch of peace will forever remind us that it is strictly forbidden to take lightly the peace that has cost us dearly’, continued President Ndayishimiye, stressing that the torch always carries the message.
For the 18th edition, the message was none other than to invite the population to elect leaders who will be able to realise the vision of Burundi emerging in 2040 and developed in 2060, according to the President of the Republic. To meet this challenge, there must be leaders who know how to organise and guide the country. ‘We implore God to protect Burundi and enlighten Burundians, so that we can continue to move forward instead of turning in on ourselves’.
He asked Burundians to avoid complaining, but to welcome every step they take, because those who complain sometimes stop their journeys. Mr. Ndayishimiye urged them to look back and see what other steps they could take.
Turning to the main concerns of the population, the Burundian Head of State promised that the report of the torch of peace caravan would enable the various questions raised by the population to be studied.
The torch closing ceremonies also coincided with the celebration of the International Day of Peace on 21 September each year.