GITEGA November 19th (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, together with his wife, Mrs. Angélique Ndayishimiye, officially launched Wednesday evening, at the Ingoma Stadium in Gitega (the political capital), the 15th edition of the Torch for Peace 2021, in the presence of several personalities and many people.
The 15th edition of the Torch of Peace is organized under the theme “All together, let us fight against poverty and work for a sustainably developed Burundi”.
President Ndayishimiye focused his speech on the call of all Burundians to be peacemakers so that they can go about the various development works peacefully. The ceremonies took place during a cultural vigil animated by various animation groups.
In his speech, the Head of State recalled that the Torch caravan of the peace was launched in Burundi in 2006 with the objective of inviting the Burundians to jealously guard the peace so much sought after several years of violence that had marked Burundi. He was delighted with this enthusiastic evening marking the start of the 15th edition of the Torch of Peace which will travel through all the provinces of the country. He explained that the Torch of Peace conveys the message of peace, understanding and peaceful coexistence throughout its itinerary. He also appreciated the climate of peace and understanding that reigns throughout the national territory.
Peace being the source of all development work, the President of the Republic thus invited all Burundians to work in synergy to tackle development work in their respective spheres of action in order to fight poverty and increase production. “Everyone is invited to take stock of their achievements on a daily basis,” he said.
The Head of State invited all Burundians to make profitable the multiple potentialities that God has filled Burundi, in particular the fertile land, the rainy season over a good period, minerals and the intellectual elite.
The Head of State also indicated that throughout its course in the various provinces of the country, the Torch of Peace will provide support for the construction of socio-economic development infrastructure, in particular schools, hospitals and works of environmental protection and so on.
The President of the Republic expressed his satisfaction with the various development infrastructures inaugurated on the occasion of the official launch day of this 15th edition of the Torch of Peace. He mentioned in particular the pediatric building of the Kibuye hospital, hotels, a station and the start of construction work on the presidential office. He congratulated the economic operators for the momentum they are showing in the construction of development works and recommended them to always go forward to make a consistent contribution to the development of the country.
President Ndayishimiye congratulated the authorities and the population of Gitega province for the enthusiastic reception of the Torch of Peace. He asked them to pass it on to the provinces in the same atmosphere of joy.
The Head of State wished the members of the Torch holders association a good journey. He urged them to convey peace throughout their journey.
Various animation groups were at the rendezvous to liven up the cultural vigil, in that case dancers, drummers and singers. Fireworks also embellished the ceremonies.