BUJUMBURA February 8th (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye accompanied by his wife, returned from Ethiopia on Monday February 7, 2022 where he participated in the 35th Ordinary Conference of Heads of Member States of the African Union during which Burundi was elected a member of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU).
Upon his arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, President Ndayishimiye indicated that this conference was an opportunity to learn about the issues that have been addressed during this year 2021. These are issues of development, social protection, health, and political and peace issues.
With regard to the political issue and peace, he pointed out that the participants in this ordinary conference noted that during this year, there was an upsurge in crimes of a terrorist nature but also coups d’Etat especially in the West African region. They studied how to bring peace especially since they have the mission to silence the guns by 2030 in Africa.
Regarding the economic file, they looked at the state of agriculture, a subject that is related to the theme adopted for this year. They also reviewed the issue of infrastructure and social-economic development in African countries.
That conference was also an opportunity to meet friends of Burundi and discuss the situation of other countries.
On the sidelines of this conference, President Ndayishimiye had the opportunity to meet and discuss with the Chairman of the AU Commission. The latter appreciates Burundi’s efforts to bring peace and its participation in peacekeeping missions in Africa. He also promised that Burundi should be well regarded.
The President of the Republic also met the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the two personalities discussed how the AfDB could support Burundi in its development. They reflected on development strategies in the agricultural sector, road infrastructure, in particular the construction of the railway (Uvinza-Gitega), electricity and many others. He promised to come to Burundi to see the situation of the country in these different areas.
Then he met with the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia. They exchanged on the cooperation which is very appreciable between the two countries.
Burundi has been appreciated on the African level by the African presidents who are members of the AU, as evidenced by the latter’s renewal of confidence in him by voting for his reappointment as a member of the peace and security council of the AU. AU for a term of 2 years.
Also, the Burundian candidate presented to be elected to the Council of Elders was adopted and the latter is the former Burundian President, Mr. Domitien Ndayizeye. Those countries appreciate the progress made by Burundi in strengthening peace and security.