President of the Republic of Burundi and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense and Security Forces, Evariste Ndayishimiye, presided over ceremonies on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The event included the awarding of diplomas to officers of the 5th promotion, followed by a parade of police corps. During the ceremonies, President Ndayishimiye emphasized the essential role the police force plays in securing the country on all levels. The President noted the police's key function in maintaining peace and order throughout Burundi.
President's Vision for Security
President Evariste Ndayishimiye urged future officers to fulfill their mission with loyalty, emphasizing their new role as servants of their nation. "Vous n’êtes plus seulement les enfants de vos parents de sang, vous êtes maintenant serviteurs de votre chère patrie," President Ndayishimiye stated. He added, "Faites de votre mieux pour protéger les gens et leurs biens et pendant la période électorale, les élections doivent être paisibles grâce à vous. C’est vous qui devez faire respecter le pays, la loi et les droits de la personne humaine."
President Ndayishimiye also articulated Burundi's long-term developmental aspirations, stating the nation envisions becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. He showed the critical link between security and progress. "Sans paix et sécurité, rien n’est possible pour aboutir au développement durable," President Ndayishimiye said. He further advised the officers, "Etre tout près de la population et collaborer avec elle doit être une de vos priorités. Ne donnez aucune place ni à la corruption, ni à la fraude, ni à d’autres mauvaises pratiques pour que la population s’attèle aux activités de développement en toute quiétude."
Graduation and Oath Details
The ceremonies included the definitive incorporation of candidates officers from the 10th promotion of the Higher Police Institute (ISP). During the event, officers from the 5th promotion and chaplains from the 8th promotion also took their oaths. The occasion further marked the official opening of the 2025-2026 academic year. A total of two hundred six recruit candidate officers from the 10th promotion, which included 5 chaplains, swore an oath. Additionally, seventy-three officers from the 5th promotion took their oath. Four chaplains from the 8th promotion also participated in the swearing-in ceremony.
Call for Public Collaboration
President Ndayishimiye stressed that officers must prioritize being close to the population and collaborating with it. He instructed them to protect people and their property, ensuring peaceful elections. "Etre tout près de la population et collaborer avec elle doit être une de vos priorités," President Ndayishimiye stated. He further urged officers to reject corruption, fraud, and other illicit practices. "Ne donnez aucune place ni à la corruption, ni à la fraude, ni à d’autres mauvaises pratiques pour que la population s’attèle aux activités de développement en toute quiétude," President Ndayishimiye added, emphasizing that such conduct would allow the population to engage in development activities peacefully.
The Role of the Police Institute
The ceremony's theme was "The Higher Police Institute, source of knowledge for safeguarding peace and security for a developed Burundi." President Ndayishimiye emphasized the foundational role of peace and security, stating, "Sans paix et sécurité, rien n’est possible pour aboutir au développement durable." He urged the new officers to prioritize public collaboration, advising them to be "tout près de la population et collaborer avec elle." President Ndayishimiye further instructed the officers to reject corruption, fraud, and other illicit practices, allowing the population to engage in development activities peacefully. He also reminded them of their duty as "serviteurs de votre chère patrie" to protect people and property, ensuring peaceful elections and upholding the country's laws and human rights.