The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, Angeline Ndayishimiye, returned to Bujumbura on Sunday afternoon, June 7, 2026, following an international mission to Türkiye. Mrs. Ndayishimiye characterized the mission as "cruciale et bénéfique" (key and beneficial) for Burundi's future health and environment. She stated that the "objectif de cette mission et de cette réunion internationale était de consolider l’unité et ramener des stratégies concrètes pour le développement du pays" (objective of this mission and international meeting was to consolidate unity and bring concrete strategies for the country's development). The First Lady also referenced traditional values, noting, "Si un morceau de pain tombe par terre, la tradition veut qu’on le ramasse et qu’on le porte au front en signe de regret. C’est un symbole fort de respect" (If a piece of bread falls to the ground, tradition dictates that we pick it up and touch it to our forehead as a sign of regret. It is a strong symbol of respect).
Global Summit and Partnership Goals
Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi, participated in the "Zero Waste" World Summit during her recent mission to Türkiye. The summit brought together representatives from 183 countries and a total of 5,000 participants. During the event, a strategic partnership was concluded between Burundi's Bonne Action-Umugiraneza foundation and Türkiye's "Zero Waste" foundation. Mrs. Ndayishimiye described the mission as "cruciale et bénéfique" (key and beneficial) for Burundi. She stated that the "objectif de cette mission et de cette réunion internationale était de consolider l’unité et ramener des stratégies concrètes pour le développement du pays" (objective of this mission and international meeting was to consolidate unity and bring concrete strategies for the country's development). She also called on technical teams to develop concrete development projects for collaboration with TIKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency). Emphasizing cultural values, Mrs. Ndayishimiye remarked, "Si un morceau de pain tombe par terre, la tradition veut qu’on le ramasse et qu’on le porte au front en signe de regret. C’est un symbole fort de respect" (If a piece of bread falls to the ground, tradition dictates that we pick it up and touch it to our forehead as a sign of regret. It is a strong symbol of respect).
Lessons from Turkish Traditions
Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi, advocates for applying the "zero waste" philosophy beyond environmental resources to human values, promoting tolerance to achieve a "zero waste of peace" within communities. Mrs. Ndayishimiye described her recent mission to Türkiye as "cruciale et bénéfique" for Burundi. She noted the broader objective of the international meeting, stating, "Selon elle, l’objectif de cette mission et de cette réunion internationale était de consolider l’unité et ramener des stratégies concrètes pour le développement du pays." The First Lady also recalled a tradition from Türkiye where a fallen piece of bread is picked up and touched to the forehead as a sign of regret. She quoted the tradition, saying, "Si un morceau de pain tombe par terre, la tradition veut qu’on le ramasse et qu’on le porte au front en signe de regret. C’est un symbole fort de respect." Additionally, Mrs. Ndayishimiye warned against the dangers of water waste, explaining that leaving taps running creates scarcity and increases the risk of diseases such as cholera.
Bridges Between Nations
Burundi's First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, emphasized the necessity of linking waste management with a determined effort against resource waste, according to her statements. She described her mission to Türkiye as "cruciale et bénéfique" for Burundi, adding that the objective of the mission and international meeting was to "consolider l’unité et ramener des stratégies concrètes pour le développement du pays." Mrs. Ndayishimiye also referenced a traditional custom, stating, "Si un morceau de pain tombe par terre, la tradition veut qu’on le ramasse et qu’on le porte au front en signe de regret. C’est un symbole fort de respect." Meanwhile, Türkiye's First Lady, Emine Erdoğan, noted the role of Burundian students studying in Türkiye, referring to them as a "véritable pont" (true bridge) between the two nations, fostering stronger ties and mutual understanding.
