Burundi celebrated this Thursday, July 1, the 59th anniversary of its independence. Among the prominent guests are Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, but especially Rwanda’s Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente. This is the first visit by a Rwandan head of state or government to Burundi since the deterioration of relations between the two neighbors in the mid-2010s.
The ceremony was an opportunity to express the desire for rapprochement between the two capitals. “It is a great honor and pleasure for me to take part in this celebration of the 59th anniversary of Burundi’s independence, which represents His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.” Rwanda’s Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente’s visit is an event after years of strife with Burundian authorities, who accused Kigali of welcoming Burundian opponents.
Invited to the rostrum, the head of the Rwandan government proposes to the Burundian president to renew the strategic partnership between the two countries: “It is time for Burundi and Rwanda to build on the solid foundations of our historical and cultural ties in order to achieve prosperity and sustainability. I am convinced that we are all ready to work to consolidate and promote the existing relationship between friendship and cooperation for the benefit of our two peoples. “
Extensive hand accepted by the Burundian head of state. “We are ready,” replied President Évariste Ndayishimiye, to open a new chapter and bury the stretch between Burundi and Rwanda, and we are ready to work with Rwanda. “
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