CANKUZO, Sept 30 (ABP) – The president of the Republic, Evariste Ndayishimiye, officially launched the 19th edition of the Torch of Peace on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The related ceremonies took place at Buhumuza Stadium under the theme: “The torch of the people on the path that leads us to a developed country” (urumuri ry’abenegihugu mu nzira ituroresha ku gihugu giteye imbere).
In his speech, President Ndayishimiye stated that peace is what unites the people. Indeed, he pointed out that the peace torch, being launched for the 19th time, comes to sow peace in hearts, in provinces, communes, and villages. He also added that this torch comes to remind Burundians of their destination.
This comes at a time when, according to the Head of State, Burundi was shaken by past crises that divided Burundians along ethnic lines: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa, a period that caused human losses across all these ethnic groups, as well as material losses.
But now that Burundians have found unity through the power of the Holy Spirit, now that the country has attained peace and unity as a capital, everything is possible, he said.
President Ndayishimiye emphasized that the world is now turning its eyes toward Burundi’s vision of emergence and development. He called on new leaders to be light, truth, peace, and hope, and to serve as development role models to guide the people toward the country’s advancement.
He explained that one must first forget the past and carry light, peace, unity, and love in the heart in order to achieve development, because Burundians are now united.
Handing over the torch to the president of the Intwararumuri association, President Ndayishimiye called on all authorities, starting from the villages, to take part in carrying this torch.
On this occasion, the province of Buhumuza presented gifts to the President of the Republic as a token of gratitude, including two cows, some sheep, and more.