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During our visit, we explained the current political by putting particular stress on security and the 2020 elections in Burundi. In addition, we exchanged on the relations between Burundi, the Netherlands and the European Union on the one hand, and between Burundi and the Region of the Large Lakes on the other hand.

After explaining to him that peace and security is a reality throughout Burundi, which allows the population to go for their daily activities in all the hills of the country, we insisted on political alternation at the top, initiated by party CNDD FDD, and this is a historical act of highest democratic value. Evidently, it is the first time in Burundi to see alternation on the top of the political party on Power. Indeed, on January 26th the CNDD-FDD EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESS resulted in the peaceful election of Mr Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE as their candidate to the presidential election. Mr EvaristeNDAYISHIMIYE is believed to be the right candidate for the party and for the country for many reasons: he is a man of integrity who promotes unity, justice and development. His strong professional experience as a Minister of Interior, as Chief of the Office of the President and as Secretary-General of the Ruling Party, all this increased his skills and knowledge to rule efficiently the country.

Coming back to elections, we reminded that the 2020 elections in Burundi will be more peaceful, more transparent and more inclusive. The increasing number of candidates justifies it. Indeed, for the first time since the coming of the democratic era in has never happened before. That was the result of the legal and organizational framework that the Government established. Indeed, the Electoral Code and its structures of coordination and executions on all the levels are established, as well as a consensual Roadmap between the political parties for 2020 have been put in place.

We also indicated the electoral process is progressing smoothly and successfully while the allocated budget is available since that budget was financed by Burundians themselves, another historical event in Burundi history. As far as relations between Burundi, the Netherlands and European Union concerned, whereas we appreciated the co-operation and friendly relations which exist happily between Burundi and the Netherlands, we asked for the contribution of the Kingdom of the Netherlands so that the European Union removes all the sanctions which were taken wrongfully against Burundi and to support our country in order to implement our National development plan (PND 2018-2027). Burundi is a country full of opportunities in a varied range of domains, we need investors to come to Burundi and work together on a win-win basis.

Indeed, the motivations of these sanctions are unjust in the way that the elements referred to by the European Union are wrong comparatively to the real situation on the ground in Burundi, because the respect of Human rights, Good Governance, Freedom of Expression, democratic values and political space are but a reality. In light of this positive evolution, we solicited the EU again to stop these unilateral and unjust sanctions of which the needy population is the victim. We also asked the Netherlands in particular and the EU in general to reconsider their view on the security in Burundi. The 2015 events should not be their references anymore and Burundi should be removed from the UN Agenda.

Concerning our relationships within the Great Lakes Region, we explained to him that Burundi lives in perfect harmony with all the countries of the region except with Rwanda. We deplored this situation of Rwanda in conflict with all the countries of the region including its neighbouring Burundi. Rwanda continues to destabilize us by setting up of social media to destabilize Burundi and to show panic within the Burundian population. Finally, this audience was also an opportunity to exchange on our domestic and external policies for our common interests.

SPEECH OF H.E GAMALIEL NKURUNZIZA ON JULY 4th 2020: CELEBRATING 58 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests
Dear Friends of Burundi
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my honour, on behalf of the Government of Burundi, to address you on this occasion of the celebration of the 58th anniversary of our Independence. Before I go on with my speech I would like to invite you to observe a minute of silence in homage of H.E late President NKURUNZIZA who passed away a few weeks ago (minute of silence) I thank you so much.
This is a special and great day for Burundians. You have heard the speech of the hero of our Independence, Prince Louis Rwagasore, a speech full of inspirations and teachings. From it was derived the theme of the day”Everything I do reflects the image of our country”. Burundians must therefore take it by heart, and that must be put into practice in everything they do, in everything they say, and in their behaviour such as they wish to “Be respected at the international level” which is contained in the national anthem. Consequently, the Nation will respect Burundi because “Man is respected as he is”. “ TOHAVE A SIGNIFICANT PLACE IN THE REALM OF THE CONCERT OF THE NATIONS” ( Shinga icumu mu mashinga) which is a patriotic value and behaviour characterizing someone who is independent especially a Burundian. According to his Speech, we are all invited to evaluate our progress through our reflection of different values such as patriotism, integrity, unity, humanity. True Burundians are known by these values.

I take this opportunity to thank Burundians who joined the Embassy to follow live the funerals of H.E Late President Pierre NKURUNZIZA as the Burundi Embassy to the Kingdom of the Netherlands had requested in order to be together with thousands of Burundians who attended the funerals at Gitega for the last homage. This witnessed that Burundians are united and are characterized by love. I then thank them because, albeit their usual obligations, they attended the ceremonies that were live broadcast.

President Pierre NKURUNZIZA will be remembered as a guardian of independence values through his demonstrated patriotism and his call for all Burundians to be united, hard workers in order to evidence our capabilities in all sections of a country’s life.

In order to strengthen this, I would like to emphasize on the speech of our President H.E Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE, that he delivered on the eve of the commemoration of the 58th anniversary of the independence of Burundi, we are commemorating today.

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests
Dear Friends of Burundi
Ladies and Gentlemen

In the speech of our President, he called upon all of us and in our different background to be united in order that we contribute to the development of our country Burundi. It is a strong signal that he has a will to unite Burundians. It is time we turned the page of our history because our differences are strengths to build our country. He told us he comes a Commander of our Development and urged us to follow his commandment.

That is why I take this opportunity as an occasion for Burundians to exchange especially about the truth of our country. Myself as Ambassador, I wish to serve as a bridge so that your wishes and projects can be achieved in the way of contributing to the development of Burundi and Burundians.

In fact, the motto of the hero of our Independence, Prince Louis Rwagasore, was Progress. In order to achieve Development, he emphasized on the role of cooperatives, working together for all Burundians need to progress because no single Burundian would be left behind.
It is in that view that I invite every Burundian who resides in the Kingdom of the Netherlands to come and work together. Nothing should separate us. I noticed all Burundians in their differences are here to celebrate together our Independence Day.

As I promised, I encourage everyone willing to support our independence especially in the angle of developing our country, to feel free and join me as your servant. There is no place like home, we have a beautiful country.

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests
Dear Friends of Burundi
Ladies and Gentlemen

According to some social media, instead of showing the real image of Burundi, detractors say the opposite. Most of you have been visiting Burundi or know those who went to Burundi and came back, you are witnesses. It is true that our country underwent difficulties and those difficulties taught us. Now our country invites us to achieve projects that every Burundian has and that our friends like the ones we are together today. I am an Ambassador at a leading position and you are also ambassadors at your levels. We are called to promote the image of our country and this will lead to the development of our country. It is true that I am one Ambassador and therefore but I am unable to reach all friends of Burundi as the ones you brought here. Tell them what Burundi is where it comes from and where it goes, this will honour for Burundi. I repeat here that there no country like Burundi. It is our mother-land whatever we will become, we will remain bound to Burundi, our country.
In a recent past, some Burundians tried to destroy the image of Burundi, this is against our values. Our country is our mother and in our valuable tradition, it is forbidden to maltreat your mother, your father, your parents. Instead, you engage a dialogue or suggest pieces of advice. A Burundian who dares to ill-treat, to destroy the image of their country, is considered as someone who lost their identity, their culture, their values and in this time they are considered as cursed. Living in difficulties is part of life. Even in the Netherlands, they went through hard times but now they overcame the hard moments. I am sure that they laugh at us when a Burundian is damaging the image of our Country. What matters is not the problems we went through but their management and all of us need to bring our part.

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests
Dear Friends of Burundi
Ladies and Gentlemen

Allow me to come back to our President speech when he emphasized that the solution to our problem will be found within Burundians themselves. Let us have trust in our leaders and not let any of us damage the image of our country or otherwise, they will be considered as cursed. Let us change positively and join the call of our President to rebuild the image of our country in the concert of the nations. I will do what I can with where my position as Ambassador allows me to but your part is needed to reach where I will be unable to arrive. As I mentioned it before, I am ready to welcome any Burundian who will be willing to contribute to this construction plan.

I know that when you take your children in Burundi, it is difficult for you to bring them back. That is why we decided to let children join today’s celebration. Let us build Burundi for the future and for our children. I take this opportunity to thank Burundians residing in the Netherlands because I found in them that spirit of unity, integrity and humanity that characterize Burundians. Evidently, since my arrival here, whenever I needed them, they responded and this shows me that tomorrow will be bright. Even today, albeit, the weather conditions you resolved to attend this celebration. I thank you for your sacrifice because I am sure some Burundians are saying the opposite but tell them to come back to the stable. Let us remain united, let us contribute to the promotion of the image of Burundi. Let us enjoy this celebration.

Thank you so much. May God Bless you all.

The Embassy of the Republic of Burundi together with the Burundian Community in The Kingdom of Netherlands had the pleasure to organize the celebration of the New Year 2020. The date was 22/2-2020. The Burundian embassy would like to give big thanks to each and everyone who attended this New Year’s reception. We can honestly say that it was a successful event.