Burundi commemorated on July 1, 2022 at Independence Boulevard, the 60th anniversary of independence under the theme: “Let us offer our forces and our bravery to our homeland to consolidate its honor”. These ceremonies marked by a long parade of the defense and security corps saw the presence of several distinguished national and international authorities.
On the occasion of this unforgettable date commemorated since July 1, 1962, the President of the Republic of Burundi and his wife Angéline Ndayishimiye enhanced with their presence the ceremonies marking this very important event for Burundians. The said ceremonies were characterized by the laying of wreaths at the Mausoleum of the hero of independence, Prince Louis Rwagasore, located in Kiriri-Vugizo and at Independence Square. These ceremonies were continued on the Boulevard de l’Indépendance where they saw the presence of other prominent authorities including the Prime Minister, Alain Guillaume Bunyoni and his wife, the President of the Senate and his wife, the Vice-President of the Republic , Prosper Bazombanza, the Burundian Ombudsman and his wife, the wife of the hero of democracy Melchior Ndadaye, etc. without forgetting the guests from various foreign countries, in this case the President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the President of Zanzibar, Hussein Mwinyi, who had at the same time represented the President of the United Republic of Tanzania who was worthily prevented, the representatives of the European Union, the representatives of Belgium, Cuba, Switzerland, Rwanda, the DRC, Israel, Niger, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, India, Venezuela, the Secretary General of the East African Community, the 1st Vice President and Prime Minister of Uganda, etc. The actual ceremonies began with a long parade of the national defense and security corps following the groups of “Benentare”, and the cheerleaders who came to brighten up the day. There were skydivers who showed off their skills as well as a group of four young girls who descended from the plane using a rope.
A satisfactory step has already been taken
In his speech for the occasion, the Head of State recalled that the Burundians have inherited an economically poor country which has neither infrastructure nor industries except Brarudi and the office of the Ministry in charge of the Interior. But in the past 60 years, he adds, we have reached a satisfactory step. “We have already built eye-pleasing public infrastructure (the presidential palace, provincial offices, roads, schools, hospitals, etc.); we have the defense and security corps, other actions are being carried out. Burundi has gone through such difficult times that no one can wish to see them once more. We now want a Burundi that does not depend on aid from outside because we have enough potential. Only, we need close collaboration with foreign countries which can lend us money repayable following a well-determined time”, indicated the President of the Republic.
Concerning the Burundians who are going to follow their studies and who stay abroad, President Ndayishimiye asked the partner countries not to retain these Burundians any longer, otherwise they have to pay money. He did not fail to ask these countries not to harbor criminals any longer before announcing that he sees a prosperous Burundi in the near future.
Thirteen people were awarded
By way of encouragement and recognition, the Head of State rewarded those who have distinguished themselves more than the others in their fields. The first person to be awarded is Brigadier General Ignace Sibomana who played an important role in promoting the national army by building an office and a school of military documentation. He initiated the manufacture of a rifle; he initiated pig breeding in Nyanza-Lac camp, sheep breeding in Matana camp, cow breeding in Mutukura camp and carried out many other good deeds. He received a certificate of merit and an envelope of one million FBu. Among the people who have been awarded, we also mention the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta who pleaded for Burundi at the time of the crisis, the United States Ambassador to Burundi, the Ambassador of the European Union as well as some members of the defense corps and security guard. The Head of State ended his speech by asking the Burundian people to remain confident that they are capable and to work in frank collaboration to increase production and by wishing them a happy birthday.
The presidents of the Central African Republic and Zanzibar in turn congratulated Burundi for the step taken. They wished him fraternity, long life, good and happy life before promising to continue to strengthen the relations of friendship that exist between Burundi and their respective countries.