President Evariste Ndayishimiye participated in community development work (TDC) in Gitega on Saturday, June 6, 2026, where he urged clergy to play a central role in national development. The President's involvement in the community development work (TDC) in Gitega showed his commitment to national progress. President Ndayishimiye commended the Archdiocese of Gitega for initiating the project, stating that it "est un signe éloquent de vouloir compter sur soi-même en matière de développement, plutôt que compter sur les aides extérieures." He stated that initiating such projects is a clear sign of self-reliance in development, demonstrating a preference for internal capabilities rather than depending on external aid. He emphasized that priests, as part of the country's elite, should use their knowledge to serve their parishioners and improve their living conditions. President Ndayishimiye further articulated that priests are among the country's elite and bear a responsibility to use their knowledge for the holistic development of the faithful. "Un curé doit être au service de ses paroissiens, en contribuant à l’amélioration de leurs conditions de vie," President Ndayishimiye added, reinforcing the call for clergy to actively contribute to the well-being of their communities.
President's Hands-On Contribution
The community development work, known as TDC, occurred at the construction site of the ODAG-Caritas Gitega office, where President Evariste Ndayishimiye participated. This ongoing construction project aims to erect a five-level office building, designed to serve the community's needs. During his involvement, President Ndayishimiye engaged in tasks such as mixing cement, sand, and gravel for concrete, which was intended to reinforce the second-floor slab of the building. This hands-on participation noted the President's personal dedication to the project and the broader message of community self-reliance. To further support the initiative, the President pledged a contribution of 1,000 bags of cement towards the construction project, providing key material assistance for its completion.
Call for Clergy Engagement
President Evariste Ndayishimiye called upon the clergy to align with all Burundians in pursuing the government's long-term vision, which aims for Burundi to become an emerging country by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060. This vision requires the collective effort of all citizens, with religious leaders playing a key role. The President also invited religious leaders to serve as role models for their congregations and to sensitize them on the importance of changing mentalities to foster progress. He stressed that a shift in mindset is essential for achieving national development goals. He further urged the clergy, noting their status as large landowners, to rationally exploit their land holdings in ways that directly benefit their communities. This call emphasized the potential for the clergy to contribute significantly to economic and social development through responsible land management.
Vision 2040-2060 and Self-Reliance
President Evariste Ndayishimiye emphasized the importance of national self-reliance, stating that the initiation of development projects signals a commitment to relying on internal capabilities rather than external assistance. He conveyed this perspective within the broader context of Burundi's long-term development goals. President Ndayishimiye further articulated that priests, recognized as part of the country's elite, bear a responsibility to leverage their knowledge and influence. They should apply this knowledge towards the full development of their congregations, improving the overall conditions for the faithful. The President's remarks showed a vision where all segments of society, particularly influential figures like the clergy, contribute actively to the nation's progress towards becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060. This ambitious national agenda requires sustained effort and cooperation from all sectors, with the clergy playing a vital role in guiding and mobilizing their communities towards these shared objectives.
