Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
As part of the celebration of the Africa Day on May 25, 2025, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Mr. Ferdinand BASHIKAKO, accompanied by African Ambassadors accredited to Burundi, paid a solidarity visit to the Congolese refugee camp in Musenyi , in Rutana province . This event brought together diplomats accredited to Burundi and representatives of international organizations to extend their commitment to the values of solidarity and humanity.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary opened the ceremony by emphasizing the importance of unity and human dignity. He welcomed the presence of the Ambassadors, which evidences an essential spirit of African solidarity. He recalled that this day embodies a strong call for justice, human dignity, and the collective responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of every human being, particularly those of refugees. Recalling the creation of the Organization of African Unity, Mr. Ferdinand Bashikako highlighted the shared duty to build a peaceful future for the continent, despite persistent conflicts, particularly in the Democratic Republic of The Congo.
On behalf of the Representative of the African Union in Burundi, Her Excellency Mrs. Amira Abdelrahim Ali Mostapha, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Burundi, reiterated her solidarity with the refugees in the camp and highlighted this year’s theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.” She spoke of the historical injustices suffered by Africans and people of African descent, while conveying a message of hope for the future. She emphasized the essential role that youth play in achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
In her speech, Mrs. Brigitte Mukanga-Eno , Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reiterated her gratitude to the Government of Burundi for its generous welcome to refugees, an exemplary act of human solidarity. She welcomed the Ambassadors’ initiative to celebrate this day alongside refugees, a gesture symbolizing solidarity that transcends crises. She also emphasized the importance of recognizing reparations as crucial for sustainable conflict resolution, while reaffirming the need for effective and coordinated humanitarian assistance.
Musenyi camp was marked by a strong message of solidarity and commitment to refugees. The various speakers called for peace, harmonious coexistence, and active participation in local development. They also called for a collective desire to build a better future for all Africans. The ceremony served as a resounding symbol of unity and fraternity, fundamental values that characterize the African continent.
