Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye met with UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, on Thursday, September 17, 2026. This significant meeting, held at the presidential palace in Gitega, brought together the Burundian Head of State and Chairperson of the African Union, Evariste Ndayishimiye, with the UNICEF Regional Director. The discussions focused specifically on the situation of children in Burundi, addressing the critical needs and ongoing efforts to improve their lives. The meeting aimed to review current challenges and opportunities for advancing children's rights and well-being within the country, and to promote the rights of children, girls, and women, showing the importance of collaborative initiatives between the Burundian government and international organizations.
UNICEF Praise for Progress
Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF's Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, expressed profound gratitude to Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye for the close cooperation that exists between UNICEF and the government of Burundi. During their talks, Kadilli acknowledged significant advancements made in the agenda for the well-being of children, girls, and women within the country. Her remarks showed the positive collaborative efforts aimed at improving conditions for these vulnerable populations, noting the tangible progress achieved through sustained partnership. She noted that these advancements reflect a dedicated commitment from the Burundian leadership to uphold the rights and ensure the welfare of its youngest citizens and women, a commitment that has fostered strong relations between UNICEF and the government of Burundi.
Broader Regional Impact
The discussions between President Evariste Ndayishimiye and UNICEF Regional Director Etleva Kadilli extended beyond Burundi's borders, encompassing the broader promotion of the rights of children, girls, and women across the entire region. Kadilli specifically commended President Ndayishimiye's exemplary leadership as the African Union (AU) Chairperson. She recognized his dedication to fostering peace and security on the continent, noting his active engagement with African youth as a key element in building a stable future. Additionally, Kadilli praised President Ndayishimiye's steadfast determination to advance the agenda for the rights of children, women, and girls, noting his commitment to these vulnerable groups beyond Burundi's national interests and extending his influence across the continent. This regional focus emphasized the interconnectedness of challenges and solutions for children's rights in Eastern and Southern Africa, demonstrating a shared vision for the welfare of the continent's most vulnerable populations.
Presidential Commitment
Burundian Head of State and African Union Chairperson, Evariste Ndayishimiye, reiterated his government's unwavering commitment to protecting children's rights. President Ndayishimiye affirmed the critical importance of ensuring the well-being of all children in Burundi, emphasizing the country's dedication to implementing policies that safeguard their future. He stated that efforts would continue to address challenges impacting children, including ensuring equitable access to quality education, providing full healthcare services, and establishing strong mechanisms for protection from violence, exploitation, and abuse. The President's remarks came during his meeting with Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, where their discussion centered on collaborative initiatives to further strengthen the framework for children's welfare within the nation and the broader region. President Ndayishimiye noted the necessity of sustained partnership with international organizations like UNICEF to achieve these ambitious goals, stressing that collective action is essential for creating a brighter future for all children. He emphasized that the promotion of the rights of children, girls, and women remains a top priority for his administration.