Ambassade du Burundi à Nairobi Diplomatie
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-Excellency our Guest of Honor Mr. Lazarus MUGANDA, Deputy Director of Africa Affairs Directorate in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya,-Excellency Zainab Hawa Bangura, the Director General of UNON,-Excellency Beyene Russom, Ambassador of Eritrea in Kenya and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,
-Excellencies Ambassadors and all Diplomatic/Consular Missions and international Organizations Representatives accredited to the Republic of Kenya,
-Leaders of Burundi Diaspora in Kenya,
-Dear compatriots, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening.
On behalf of H.E Evelyne HABONIMANA, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Kenya and Permanent Representative of Burundi to UNEP and UN-Habitat,who is away from Kenya, I would like to extend her greetings to You All,She would love to be here today, but due to other engagements, she has delegated me to deliver the following speech on her behalf.
Excellencies Ambassadors, distinguished guests,
- Today, we have gathered to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of Burundi Independence Day under the theme “Real Independence is based on self sufficiency but without putting aside collaboration with other nations”. This is an occasion to remember the sacrifices and struggles of our freedom fighters. Today we remember the brave souls who fought for our freedom, their courage and determination paved the way for the nation we have today. We stand here, enjoying the fruits of their struggle.
This day is also an occasion to remember the hero of our independence Prince Louis Rwagasore who fought for the dignity of the country. - May the Almighty God who led them to victory receive our praises and worship and may He lead us to complete the work done by our predecessors by taking appropriate actions as well as consolidating this Independence.
3.From its independence in 1962, the country has experienced political instability including coups, and the civil war of 1993 which resulted in political tensions and therefore undermining democratic institutions. The Arusha Peace Agreement, signed in 2000, paved the way for a new constitution in 2005 and the end of the civil war.
- Recently, in order to continue building stable democratic institutions and ensuring political participation for all citizens, Burundi held successfully legislative and local elections on Thursday, 5 June 2025. More than six million registered voters cast ballots to elect peacefully members of parliament and communal councilors. This election marks the beginning of a new administrative structure, with Burundi now reorganized into five provinces and 42 communes.Senatorial and local elections are scheduled to take place on 23rd July 2025.
The 63rd anniversary of Burundi Independence Day is celebrated in a country marked by peace and security, and Burundians as a whole share the same vision when it comes to building their country. True independence is reflected in the right of citizens to freely shape their future.
5.In the same way, to preserve the independence gained in 1962, Burundi is implementing the 2040 vision as an emerging country and by 2060 as a developed country by transforming our economy, improving social well-being, and sustainably managing our ressources.Key areas of this vision include strengthening state commitment, enhancing economic efficiency, promoting social equity, ensuring sustainable ecology, heritage and fostering fruitful partnerships.We welcome the support of our bilateral and multilateral partners in order to achieve the 2040-2060 vision.
- On bilateral level, I would like to commend the good relations between Burundi and Kenya and Burundi based on mutual respect and cooperation and African solidarity. In this regard, from 28th to 30th April 2025, the 3rd Joint Session Commission on Cooperation successfully took place in Nairobi. This is a milestone that provides a platform for frank and honest discussions on the current state of our bilateral relations and to identify new areas of cooperation.Equally, Burundi and Kenya have never ceased to engage each other both at bilateral and multilateral platformswhich enhance and consolidate the cordial and fraternal relations between our countries.
- At Regional level, Burundi continues to play its active role in Continental affairs through its participation in the African Union (AU), regional bodies and its contribution to peacekeeping. This contributes to peace, stability and security, not only in the region, but generally on the Continent.
- This is a wonderful Day, a Victory Day, and a Day of joy and celebrations for all the people of Burundi. I invite you to celebrate it together.
Excellencies,All protocol observed,
Dear Compatriots,
9.As I conclude, I would like to thank the countries and international organizations that continue to support our development programs and projects, and those who continue to support our independence in various ways.As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality. May our flag always fly high, and may our nation continue to prosper and flourish. Happy Independence Day.
Long life of H.E Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE, the President of the Republic of Burundi
Long life of H.E WILLIAM SAMOEI RUTO,the President of the Republic of Kenya
Long life Burundi and the Independence of Burundi;
God Bless Burundi and the people of Burundi;
May God bless our Nations
Thank you!
