BUJUMBURA July 3rd (ABP) – The celebration of the 61st anniversary of the independence of Burundi took place on July 1, 2023, in all the provinces of the country.
At the national level, the ceremonies took place in Gitega province, the political capital of Burundi, in the presence of the Head of State, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, the highest authorities of the country, members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Burundi and a huge crowd of people.
They began with the laying of wreaths on the monument of the hero of national independence, respectively by the Head of State and representatives of the diplomatic and consular corps. The ceremonies continued at Ingoma Stadium, where a large crowd awaited him.
On his arrival, the national anthem sounded, then he reviewed the troops. The ceremonies were embellished by military demonstrations including parachuting and rapid disembarkation-boarding. The parade of the defense and security forces further entertained the spectators.
In his speech for the occasion, Mr. Ndayishimiye praised the bravery of the Burundians who gave the best of themselves to lead Burundi to self-determination. Most notably, he praised the father and hero of national independence, Prince Louis Rwagasore, for drawing Burundians from colonial rule.
He deplored the fact that the stigmata of colonialism currently persist on the part of certain people who have a portion of power or purely and simply non patriotic citizens, he added. These people are setting the country back and deserve nothing but dismissal.
To lead Burundi toward the path of development, he recommended to everyone the vision both at the level of the development of households and of the country. Thus, he invited the Burundians to lead their country, within 15 years in the concert of economically autonomous countries. And to achieve this, he asked to make good governance and the hard work.
Thus, President Ndayishimiye awarded prizes and certificates of merit to people who have been role models in the management of public affairs both in the defense and security forces and in the civil services.
The same merit was awarded to the Ambassador of South Africa for her exemplary friendship displayed on Burundi. More particularly to his wife, Mrs. Angéline Ndayishimiye, the Head of State praised her exemplarity in the accomplishment of commendable works at the national and international levels and awarded her the same effects. To all those people, he expressed his encouragement and asked the audience to imitate them in their performances.
Addressing the German delegation which had joined Burundi in those ceremonies, President Ndayishimiye commended its presence. He asked Germany, a former colonial country of Burundi, to be actively alongside the Burundians in the construction of the political capital, which it initiated.