The CNDD-FDD party held its traditional interfaith prayer on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at its national headquarters in Ngagara. This significant event, a regular fixture in the party's calendar, gathered key figures and members for reflection and guidance. The event saw the attendance of President Evariste Ndayishimiye, according to party officials, showing its importance within the party's agenda. CNDD-FDD Secretary General Révérien Ndikuriyo and Deputy Secretary General Cyriaque Nshimirimana were also present, noting the broad representation of the party's leadership. The Second Vice-President of the National Assembly, Boussessia Nkezimana, joined elected officials and high-ranking cadres at the gathering, further emphasizing the wide array of attendees from various levels of government and party structure. The theme of the interfaith gathering, held at the CNDD-FDD national headquarters in Ngagara, was articulated as 'A good leader knows how to find solutions to citizens' problems.' This guiding principle was specifically drawn from the biblical passage Exodus 18:13-26, providing a spiritual foundation for the discussions on leadership and governance.
President's Call for Engaged Leadership
President Evariste Ndayishimiye, addressing the assembled officials and members, stated that June is a time for thanksgiving and that leaders must meet citizens to analyze problems together. He articulated a clear vision for proactive and engaged leadership, stressing the necessity of direct interaction with the populace to understand and address their concerns. He urged citizens to collaborate closely with leaders rather than being sources of difficulties, emphasizing a partnership approach to national development and problem-solving. This call for cooperation sought to foster a sense of shared responsibility between the government and the people. President Ndayishimiye emphasized that leaders must maintain proximity to their constituents to facilitate crisis resolution effectively, asserting that a hands-on approach is key for timely and appropriate interventions.
Further elaborating on his expectations for leadership, President Ndayishimiye called on leaders to assume their duties with dedication, honesty, and professional conscience. He showed the moral and ethical dimensions of public service, advocating for integrity in all governmental actions. He encouraged representatives to align their efforts with the national vision to improve the country's economy, linking individual leadership responsibilities to broader national objectives for economic growth and stability. Additionally, President Ndayishimiye advised leaders to implore God for divine blessing before launching new projects, integrating a spiritual element into the planning and execution of national initiatives. He also called on each citizen to engage in a development project as a means to combat poverty and ensure national stability, extending the responsibility for progress beyond leaders to every individual in society. This full appeal aimed to mobilize both leadership and the citizenry towards a common goal of national prosperity and resilience.
Party Officials Reflect on Legacy and Future Direction
CNDD-FDD Secretary General Révérien Ndikuriyo spoke on the significance of the timing of the prayer meeting, stating that the month of June is dedicated to commemorating the late President Pierre Nkurunziza and marks the six-year anniversary of President Evariste Ndayishimiye's ascent to power. This dual commemoration served to honor past leadership while celebrating the current administration's tenure. Ndikuriyo further urged leaders to prioritize truthfulness in their conduct and to draw inspiration from the teachings and legacy of Pierre Nkurunziza. He emphasized that these principles should guide current leadership in their responsibilities, advocating for a continuity of values and a commitment to the ideals espoused by the former president. Ndikuriyo's remarks reinforced the party's historical foundations and its ongoing commitment to specific leadership tenets.
Cheikh Ramazan Ndikumana, addressing the gathering, called upon religious leaders to become actively involved in national development initiatives. His intervention noted the key role that faith-based organizations and their leaders can play in societal progress. Ndikumana stressed the importance of their participation in supporting the national vision, suggesting that their influence is key for the country's progress. He further noted the role religious institutions can play in mobilizing communities towards common development goals, recognizing their capacity to inspire and organize collective action. This appeal sought to leverage the moral authority and community reach of religious leaders to contribute to the nation's socio-economic advancement.
Context and Guiding Principles
The theme of the interfaith gathering, held at the CNDD-FDD national headquarters in Ngagara, was articulated as 'A good leader knows how to find solutions to citizens' problems.' This guiding principle was specifically drawn from the biblical passage Exodus 18:13-26. The selection of this theme showed the party's emphasis on leadership that is responsive and solution-oriented in addressing public concerns. It aimed to reinforce the expectation that leaders should actively engage with and resolve the challenges faced by the populace, reflecting a commitment to practical governance. The spiritual reference provided a moral and ethical framework for the discussions, linking leadership responsibilities to scriptural guidance on problem-solving and community welfare. The event thus served as a platform not only for prayer and reflection but also for reiterating the party's core values regarding leadership, public service, and national development, all within a framework that acknowledges both secular and spiritual guidance.
