The 60th anniversary of the independence of Burundi successfully celebrated in Brussels

This Saturday July 02, 2022, the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in Brussels celebrated with joy and pride the 60th Anniversary of the independence of Burundi.

Burundians from Belgium and neighboring countries, diplomats accredited to Brussels, friends of Burundians, people of all ages, responded favorably to this great historic meeting.

Various personalities honored with their presence at this National Day, among others a European deputy, the Mayor and the alderman of the Municipality of Anderlecht, the ambassadors or representatives of friendly countries of Burundi such as Tanzania, Algeria, Rwanda , Haiti, South Africa, Cameroon, Mauritius, Sudan, the Holy See, Morocco, Egypt, the Belgians, friends of Burundi etc. On the side of the Belgian Government, no delegate was present while the EU was represented by two people.

The ceremonies began with a prayer led by a Burundian priest and ended by the Apostolic Nuncio, Ambassador of the Holy See in Belgium and Dean of Ambassadors in Brussels and the Great Duchy of Luxembourg who was present in these ceremonies.

The prayer was followed by the national anthem, “BURUNDI BWACU”. Then, the speech of His Royal Highness Prince Louis RWAGASORE, national Hero of the independence of Burundi. Finally comes the speech of the occasion delivered by H.E Mr. Thérence NTAHIRAJA, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi in Brussels.

His speech focused on the theme of the day: “DUTURE IGIHUGU CACU AMABOBO, UMUTIMA N’UBUZIMA, UBURUNDI BUGIRE ITEKA. He reminded all Burundians present in this commemorative day to read the full message of the President of the Republic of Burundi His Excellency Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE addressed to the nation on the eve of the commemoration of this 60th anniversary of independence.

He recalled that relations with Belgium and the European Union are beginning to normalize because this day comes on the eve of the removal of economic sanctions that the European Union and its Member States had imposed on Burundi within the framework of the Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement.

Under the rhythm of the Burundian drum and the traditional dance, these festivities took place successfully in an atmosphere of conviviality where Burundians had time to express, in the Africa Europe newspaper, their joy by emphasizing the importance of this party.

The celebration of this party offered an opportunity to Burundians living in Belgium to remember 60 years of national sovereignty of Burundi, to meditate on the course of militancy and the struggle of a valiant and determined people who fought tirelessly against the colonization organized for a long time.

The ceremonies ended with the tasting of Burundi coffee and the sharing of a drink offered by the Embassy of Burundi in Brussels for this great occasion.