Commemoration of the 61st anniversary of the independence of Burundi

On Saturday July 1, 2023, the Senate Speaker, Right Honourable Emmanuel Sinzohagera, accompanied by his wife, his First Deputy speaker and senators, joined the Head of State, His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, in the commemoration of the 61^st anniversary of the independence of Burundi.

The ceremonies which took place in Gitega, the political capital of Burundi, were also attended by other high dignitaries of the Nation, including the Right Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, the Deputy President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Ombudsman, parliamentarians, members of the Government, various distinguished guests, Representatives of diplomatic and consular missions accredited to Burundi, as well as a huge crowd of Burundian citizens.

The celebration of this day was done under the theme: “All together, for the growth of the country’s economy, our effective independence”.

Ceremonies were mainly marked by the parade of members of defense and security corps, military parachuting as well as various cultural dances.

In his speech for the occasion, the Head of State congratulated all Burundian heroes. He called on Burundians to avoid any kind of ethnic division and unite for the development of their country.

In addition, he called on them to change their mindset and buckle down to work so as to overcome poverty. He also challenged them to give themselves a vision and set themselves objectives to be achieved for a given period.

H.E Evariste Ndayishimiye also challenged the leaders to learn from the virtues of the Independence Hero and to serve as good models for others, in particular by fighting against corruption.

Finally, he awarded prizes to the best actors in development in different sectors.

On the evening of Friday, June 30, 2023, at the Ingoma stadium, the Head of State, as well as the various high personalities of the country, including the Right Honourable Speaker of the Senate, took part in a cultural evening organized as part of the celebration of this anniversary of independence.