Burundi's First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, received Jean-Noël Gentile, the World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director, in an audience on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Mr. Gentile presented his farewells to the First Lady at the end of his mission. During their meeting, they discussed the close collaboration between the WFP and Burundi, specifically mentioning the OPDD and the Fondation Bonne action «Umugiraneza».
Mr. Gentile stated, "I was able to discuss again with the First Lady, whom I met on multiple occasions during this mission, but I must emphasize this extremely effective, very important collaboration on different subjects which are education, health, people's nutrition, women's empowerment, peace, and security in general." He added, "Beyond the discourse, she is very involved in her priorities. We are also lucky that the First Lady is the patron of the national school feeding program, a priority that the World Food Programme supports in Burundi and elsewhere in the world. And we are very proud that Burundi is a champion on this priority."
Fruitful Partnership Noted
Jean-Noël Gentile described the collaboration between the World Food Programme (WFP) and Burundi as very fruitful. He noted the partnership's effectiveness and importance across several key areas. "J’ai pu discuter de nouveau avec la Première dame, que j’ai rencontrée à de multiples occasions durant cette mission, mais je dois souligner cette collaboration extrêmement efficace, très importante sur différents sujets qui sont, l’éducation, la santé, la nutrition des gens, l’autonomisation des femmes, la paix, et la sécurité en général," Gentile stated.
The outgoing WFP Director showed First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye's significant and concrete involvement in these priorities. Gentile noted that the First Lady serves as the godmother of the national school canteen program. This initiative is a priority that the World Food Programme supports both within Burundi and globally. "Au-delà du discours, elle est très impliquée dans ses priorités. Nous avons la chance également que la Première dame soit la marraine du programme national des cantines scolaires, une priorité que le Programme alimentaire mondial soutient au Burundi et ailleurs dans le monde. Et nous sommes très fiers que le Burundi soit un champion sur cette priorité," he added.
First Lady's Appreciation
First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye conveyed her gratitude to the representatives of international associations accredited in Burundi for their collaborative efforts. The First Lady expressed her appreciation for the partnership with Jean-Noël Gentile throughout his tenure in Burundi. She indicated that these relations would continue, building upon the strong collaboration that has defined their work.
Mr. Gentile reiterated his positive experience, stating, "I was able to discuss again with the First Lady, whom I met on multiple occasions during this mission, but I must emphasize this extremely effective, very important collaboration on different subjects which are education, health, people's nutrition, women's empowerment, peace, and security in general." He further noted her commitment, noting, "Beyond the discourse, she is very involved in her priorities. We are also lucky that the First Lady is the patron of the national school feeding program, a priority that the World Food Programme supports in Burundi and elsewhere in the world. And we are very proud that Burundi is a champion on this priority."
Farewell Wishes and Future Ties
The First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, wished Jean-Noël Gentile a safe journey and expressed hopes for his success in future international endeavors. Mr. Gentile reflected on his interactions, stating, "J’ai pu discuter de nouveau avec la Première dame, que j’ai rencontrée à de multiples occasions durant cette mission, mais je dois souligner cette collaboration extrêmement efficace, très importante sur différents sujets qui sont, l’éducation, la santé, la nutrition des gens, l’autonomisation des femmes, la paix, et la sécurité en général." He emphasized the First Lady's commitment to these areas. "Au-delà du discours, elle est très impliquée dans ses priorités," Gentile added, noting her role as the patron of the national school feeding program. He concluded, "Nous avons la chance également que la Première dame soit la marraine du programme national des cantines scolaires, une priorité que le Programme alimentaire mondial soutient au Burundi et ailleurs dans le monde. Et nous sommes très fiers que le Burundi soit un champion sur cette priorité."
