Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
The final day of the Diaspora Week was marked by an excursion for members of the Burundian Diaspora to discover some of their concrete achievements. At the Tanganyika Care Polyclinic, they were able to witness significant improvements in healthcare, with quality services, modern equipment, and qualified staff. The facility currently employs over 500 people and has 200 beds, symbolizing a major social investment. The visit continued at the construction site of a housing project initiated by Mr. Fablice Manirakiza, a member of the Diaspora, through his company Ubaka Nation. This project has already led to the construction of 200 houses, 90% of which have been purchased by members of the Diaspora, demonstrating their willingness to actively participate in the country’s real estate development.
The day also provided an opportunity to present the recommendations arising from the various discussions and panels held throughout the week. These suggestions highlight the importance of involving the Diaspora more in the efforts to digitize public services, to add value to natural resources, modernize infrastructure, and combat corruption.
They also emphasized on the need to strengthen national unity by overcoming ethnic and political divides, promote tax civism, improve communication between diplomatic missions and the Diaspora, and to more coherently structure the Diaspora to better harness its potential.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Syldie Manirerekana, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, warmly thanked the members of the Diaspora for their constant commitment and active participation in this edition. He encouraged them to remain mobilized around national priorities.
For his part, Mr. Samuel Ndayiragije, President of the Burundian Diaspora, urged his compatriots living abroad to translate their attachment to their homeland into tangible actions, thus contributing to the achievement of the Burundi 2040–2060 vision.
Under the theme “Abarundi bakorera mu mahanga tuje ku kivi mu gushira mu ngiro imbonakazoza y’Uburundi bwifashe muri 2040, n’Uburundi buteye imbere muri 2060” (Burundian Diaspora, let us act to implement the Vision: Burundi as an emerging country by 2040, a developed country by 2060), this ninth edition took place in a serene atmosphere, filled with responsibility and optimism. It confirms that the Burundian Diaspora is no longer content to follow the country’s evolution
from abroad but is becoming a true driving force, ready to play a key role in building a prosperous, united, and forward-looking Burundi.