BUJUMBURA, April 2nd (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Mr Evariste Ndayishimiye, received in audience on Friday 28 March 2025, a delegation of bishops from the United Methodist Church in the East African region, under the aegis of Bishop Mande Muyombo, leader of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church in Africa.
In an interview with the media at the end of the audience, Bishop Muyombo said that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the President of Burundi on the “brilliant election of his colleague”, Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera, as Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Burundi, who is also President of the Senate of that country.
The delegation also expressed its congratulations on the fact that Burundi is now an episcopal region.
The deputy spokesman for the President of the Republic, Sébastien Ntahongendera, pointed out that the delegation had conveyed to the President of Burundi the commitment of the United Methodist Church under the leadership of Bishop Sinzohagera. That involves supporting the Burundian government in its development efforts, in particular through the vision of Burundi as an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.
Mr Ntahongendera also emphasised that the Church is already actively supporting the country’s development, particularly in the areas of education, health, food security and other areas that will contribute to Burundi’s progress.
Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera was elected bishop of the United Methodist Church on 15 March 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, by the Central Conference of Africa.