AFRICA/BURUNDI - "President, give us peace among Burundians": Archbishop of Gitega at the inauguration of the newly-elected Head of State

Saturday, 20 June 2020 bishops   peace   reconciliation  

Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides) - The President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye, has been sworn in, in the presence of the country's civil and religious authorities.
Before taking oath, the moderator of the ceremony, Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza, invited the 8 Catholic Bishops and other representatives of religious denominations to reach the center of the stadium. After forming a circle, the President-elect knelt inside. In his prayer before the oath, the Archbishop of Gitega, His Exc. Mgr. Simon Ntamwana, invited the new President to turn page: "Always be ready to receive the wisdom of the Lord as Solomon" said Mgr. Ntamwana who insisted on the need to find peace. "Blessed are those who bring peace, because they will be called children of God! Understand that you are a son of God and as such must bring peace among Burundians, you know how much we need it...". "May the Lord enlighten you so that you can do good in Burundi, strengthen love among Burundians. Bring back to our country the refugees in the camps, bring back the intellectuals in exile so that they can take part in the development of our country, renew ties with the international community so they can help us develop".
The words of Archbishop of Gitega express the hopes of the Country's population shaken by years of instability after late President Pierre Nkurunziza (see Fides, 10/6/2020) modified the Constitution to obtain a third term (see Fides, 7/3/2015). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 20/6/2020)


Share: