Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye joined members of the CNDD-FDD party, known as Bagumyabanga, specifically those from the city of Bujumbura, in an interfaith thanksgiving prayer. During the event, President Ndayishimiye emphasized the nation's independence and its right to self-determination, urging Burundians to adopt a resilient mindset in charting their future. "These enemies of Burundi and its people considered us as sheep, whose fate and future could only be decided by their shepherd," President Ndayishimiye stated. He added, "We must have the spirit of a lion in order to strengthen our independence and decide alone on our future and that of the country."
Past Darkness and Present Enlightenment
The interfaith prayer, which is an interconfessional thanksgiving prayer, took place on Thursday, May 28, 2026. President Ndayishimiye asserted that Burundians had previously "marched in the darkness linked to ethnicity," a situation he attributed to colonial powers and past leaders. He indicated that this ethnically-driven darkness was imposed by the colonists and former leaders. He emphasized the importance of overcoming this historical influence.
President Ndayishimiye also encouraged members of the CNDD-FDD party, known as Bagumyabanga, to adopt a "lion's spirit" to strengthen their independence. He stressed the importance of national self-determination, stating, "Personne n’a le droit de prendre les décisions à notre place. Seuls les Burundais sont maîtres de leur destin." This declaration reinforced his message of an empowered Burundi charting its own course.
Vision for Self-Determination
The interfaith prayer, which is organized on the last Thursday of each month, also addressed the nation's past challenges. President Ndayishimiye stated that the situation had "plunged Burundi into extreme poverty and created a state of dependence in the minds of Burundians." He asserted, "These enemies of Burundi and its people considered us as sheep, whose fate and future could only be decided by their shepherd." President Ndayishimiye added, "We must have the spirit of a lion in order to strengthen our independence and decide alone on our future and that of the country." During the event, Cyriaque Nshimirimana, the deputy secretary general of the CNDD-FDD party, thanked the Head of State and his wife for their participation. Hilgie Ngendakumana, a lay Christian, delivered a sermon based on John 15:16, drawing from the word of God in the Gospel of Saint John 15:16. Emphasizing ethical conduct, Ngendakumana stated, "As Christians and believers in one God, we must also know that it is strictly forbidden to invoke the name of the Lord in ignoble acts that do not honor us and tarnish the image of the country and its authorities."
Call to Action and Future Outlook
President Evariste Ndayishimiye affirmed that all Burundians are now enlightened to guide and direct their own destiny and that of their country. He reiterated that Burundi's natural wealth belongs to its citizens and should be utilized for their well-being. This reminder showed the importance of national resources serving the populace. "These enemies of Burundi and its people considered us as sheep, whose fate and future could only be decided by their shepherd," President Ndayishimiye stated, adding, "We must have the spirit of a lion in order to strengthen our independence and decide alone on our future and that of the country." Cyriaque Nshimirimana, the deputy secretary general of the CNDD-FDD party, commended the Head of State's Vision for the Emergence and Development of Burundi. Mr. Nshimirimana specifically praised the vision put in place by the Head of State, noting its importance for the nation's future progress.
