GITEGA June 9th (ABP) – The Burundi Head of State Evariste Ndayishimiye, accompanied by with his Better Half, chaired, on June 8, 2021, the ceremonies marking the commemoration of the passing of President Pierre Nkurunziza, and the celebration of the first national day of patriotism. The festivities took place in the premises of the memorial of the late President Nkurunziza, erected in the district of Musinzira, in the commune and province of Gitega, the political capital of the country.
Before starting his speech for the occasion, the Head of State asked the audience to observe a minute of silence in memory of the illustrious disappeared. Subsequently, he praised the great deeds that he accomplished during his lifetime to the Burundian nation, citing among others the charismatic leadership and love of the fatherland which resulted in immense works left to the country. For further clarification, President Ndayishimiye mentioned, among other things, Burundi’s commitment to the path of democracy, the good management of the national heritage, the inculcation of patriotism in the Burundians, the education of Burundians for peace, the restoration of security and the commitment of the people of Burundi to the path of development through development work.
He reiterated his commitment to continue to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, the late Pierre Nkurunziza. He called on the people of Burundi to also follow the good examples left by him to immortalize his name.
In recognition of the many benefits that the late Pierre Nkurunziza brought to Burundi, President Ndayishimiye said he signed a decree that elevates him to the rank of Supreme Guide of Patriotism in Burundi.
To that end, he specified that the date of June 8 of each year, which recalls the passing of the late Nkurunziza, is also dedicated to the national day of celebration of patriotism.
President Ndayishimiye also announced that the grounds of the late Pierre Nkurunziza memorial will house the patriotic training center. To the family of the late Pierre Nkurunziza, the Head of State promised to be by their side.
Previously, the wife of the late Pierre Nkurunziza spoke to testify to the good cohabitation that reigned in the family during her husband’s lifetime. “He was a good animator of the family, contributed substantially in the upbringing of the children and involved me in the management of family assets,” said Mrs. Nkurunziza, adding that dialogue reigned in the family.
On behalf of the family, she also delivered a speech marking the final mourning ceremony for her husband. She took the opportunity to thank all the people who have expressed their support for her family after her husband’s passing and promised to do the same.
Note that the ceremonies began with the laying of wreaths of flowers on the tomb of the illustrious disappeared successively by the presidential couple, the family of the late Pierre Nkurunziza, the close relatives of that same family, the Vice President of the Republic of Tanzania and the representative of members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Burundi. In addition to those personalities, the ceremonies of the day were also attended by the representative of the President of Uganda, parliamentarians, members of the government, government officials, representatives of religious denominations and groups of choristers.