Burundi's First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, participated in an 11-kilometer walk with residents of Muyinga commune, Buhumuza province, on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The initiative aims to promote public health through physical activity. Mme Ndayishimiye stated that the objective is "to promote good health through regular physical activity, thus preventing certain diseases and maintaining good physical condition." She added, "These sports activities provide significant support for people undergoing treatment who require a healthy lifestyle, including physical exercise." Mme Ndayishimiye also noted the social benefits, saying, "Beyond the health benefits, the practice of sport promotes social cohesion and the sharing of a common goal."
Details of the Walk
The community walk commenced at the chief town of Muyinga commune and concluded at the chief town of the Munagano zone. Participants then engaged in stretching and muscle strengthening exercises, marking the end of the physical activity. The event unfolded in a festive atmosphere, as residents presented various cultural expressions, including songs, dances, and greetings to the First Lady and other attendees.
Health and Well-being Benefits
Mme Ndayishimiye emphasized the role of physical activity in health management, stating that "these sports activities provide significant support for people undergoing treatment who require a healthy lifestyle, including physical exercise." She noted that such exercises often promote sweating and bodily renewal, contributing to improved health. The First Lady further noted that "this initiative aims to promote good health through regular physical activity, thus preventing certain diseases and maintaining good physical condition." She also underlined the social aspect, explaining that these sessions allow individuals with physical fragility to feel integrated into the community. Mme Ndayishimiye elaborated that "beyond the health benefits, the practice of sport promotes social cohesion and the sharing of a common goal."
Social Cohesion and Call to Action
Mme Ndayishimiye stated that sport promotes social cohesion and the sharing of a common goal, bringing individuals closer and developing a spirit of solidarity. She added that it reinforces love for one's neighbor, consolidates friendships, and contributes to good understanding within society. The First Lady elaborated, "Au-delà des bienfaits sur la santé, M. Ndayishimiye a fait savoir que la pratique du sport favorise la cohésion sociale et le partage d’un même objectif. Elle rapproche les individus, développe un esprit de solidarité, renforce l’amour du prochain, consolide les liens d’amitié et contribue à l’instauration d’un climat de bonne entente au sein de la société." She also called on the entire population to give an important place to physical exercise in their daily lives. Mme Ndayishimiye emphasized that "Cette initiative vise à promouvoir une bonne santé à travers l’activité physique régulière, permettant ainsi de prévenir certaines maladies et de maintenir une bonne condition physique." She further noted, "Ces activités sportives constituent un soutien important pour les personnes sous traitement qui nécessitent une bonne hygiène de vie, notamment la pratique d’exercices physiques. Ces derniers favorisent la plupart du temps la transpiration et le renouvellement de l’organisme tout en contribuant ainsi à une meilleure santé."
