The Head of State, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye while inaugurating the Bujumbura City Council Office
BUJUMBURA September 17th (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, proceeded on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 to the launch of the national tour of the Torch of Peace 14th edition in the Bujumbura City Council. He himself lit the flame of the said torch on the Independence Square in the presence of the Prime Minister, members of the government, delegations from other provinces and natives of the Bujumbura.
Before delivering the occasional speech, a minute of silence was observed to pay tribute to the late President Pierre Nkurunziza, who initiated the torch of peace 14 years ago.
For President Ndayishimiye, the Torch of Peace has enlightened the people who understood the essential: peace. He brings love and unity. It brings hope for a good future for Burundians.
President Ndayishimiye called on everyone to fight against poverty. For him, the torch of peace that had just been lit is the backbone of community development work. It does not divide but unifies, sets the tone for the lazy to come out of their torpor and go about community development works.
He added that the Torch of Peace calls for respect for compatriots regardless of their origins and for unity around the same fight against poverty.
This year, the Torch of Peace announces a radiant Burundi, according to President Ndayishimiye, who considers that the whole world can benefit from it. For him, it is a moment for the Burundians to stand up as one body, to rebuild what has been destroyed, consolidate what is built, heal those who have been broken, take the same path towards the same future, present as a model for other countries and rebuild the world with them.
Without common construction, the world will not be united, he said.
“The torch of peace comes to you to prepare a good future for our children and future generations, brings a new beginning, the bad actions that we have carried out are over,” said President Evariste Ndayishimiye.
He handed the Torch of Peace to the Mayor of the Bujumbura City, Mr. Jimmy Hatungimana, a sign that the tour is starting from the City of Bujumbura to the other provinces of the country. The evening was enhanced by songs including the one dedicated to the Torch of Peace performed by members of the friendly musicians of Burundi and the famous song “Sagamba Burundi”, performed by Léonce Ngabo, one of the country’s great musicians.
Shortly before the launch of the national torch of peace tour, the President of the Republic inaugurated the Bujumbura City Hall, a 5-storey building which will house, for instance, the City Hall offices. He also signed in that hotel’s guestbook.