The Embassy of Burundi in the Netherlands hosted an event at the Ambassador’s residence to celebrate Burundi’s 61st Independence Day on 8 July 2023.
The event started with H.E. Ambassador Gamaliel Nkurunziza, inviting the audience to sing the National anthem of Burundi “Burundi Bwacu” and the Netherlands.
Ambassador Gamaliel Nkurunziza further stated, “this is a unique and great day for Burundians. We have listened to the song of our Independence, and we must take the lyrics of our National Anthem as our guidance because it is full of inspiration and a lot of teachings.”
Addressing the many guests the Ambassador stated, “I would like to thank the Ambassadors of Rwanda, South Africa, China, Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania, Uganda, Algeria, Angola, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, the Deputy Mayor of Wassenaar, representatives of the diplomatic missions as well as the friends of Burundi for having responded to our invitation and accompanying the Burundians to the celebration of the 61st anniversary of the Independence of Burundi.”
Back in Bujumbura, the Government has been receiving congratulations in connection with its 61 years of Independence.
Burundi receives praise for the crucial role that Burundi has been playing in promoting peace and stability throughout Africa. Particularly to be underscored are the invaluable contributions of Burundi towards peacekeeping missions in Somalia and Central Africa, praising the nation’s dedication to fostering peace in the region.
Burundi 61 years of Independence – Congratulations from abroad
The US, Secretry of State Mr Anthony Blinken: “On behalf of the United States of America, I send my congratulations to the people of the Republic of Burundi as you celebrate 61 years of independence. We commend Burundi’s continuing political and economic reforms and welcome Burundi’s positive engagement with international financial institutions. We also appreciate the leadership role Burundi has played in regional peace and security as Chair of the East African Community and through its active participation in peacekeeping operations. The United States looks forward to working together over the next year to improve regional security.”
H.E. President Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia extended her congratulatory message to President Evariste Ndayishimiye and the people of Burundi on their National Day.
Praises also came from Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, who currently serves as the head of the African Union Transition Mission, highlighting the crucial role that Burundi has been playing in promoting peace and stability throughout Africa. The Ambassador particularly underscored the invaluable contributions of Burundi towards peacekeeping missions in Somalia and Central Africa, praising the nation’s dedication to fostering peace in the region.
Other world leaders have also sent their best wishes to Burundians on their National Day.
Ambassador Gamaliel Nkurunziza continued his welcome remarks by stating, “today is an important day for our country and for Burundians living here in the Netherlands. This is the time to make up our minds.” Ambassador Gamaliel Nkurunziza continued his welcome remarks by stating, “because our Independence Day is a good opportunity to take a look at where we come from and where we are going especially in following steps for people who guided us in the process of fighting for our independence The Prince Rudoviko Rwagasore who sacrificed his life so that Burundian can be independent, he will always be our Hero.
The motto of our Independence hero, Prince Louis Rwagasore, was Progress!
It is in that view I invite every Burundian living in the Netherlands to come and work together. Nothing should separate us.
I noticed all Burundians are here to celebrate our Independence Day. I encourage everyone 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.
As Burundians, we need to be proud of our country because we are going to have a better future. In order to strengthen that love, I would like to emphasize the speech of our President H.E General Major Evariste Ndayishimiye, which he delivered on the event of the commemoration of the 61st anniversary of the independence of Burundi, we are commemorating today.
The President called on all of us to be united in contributing to the development of our country Burundi. Our government has given a strong signal that when we are united, we become strong. It is time we turned the page of our history because our differences are our strengths.
Our President has become the chief Commander of our country’s Development and urged us to follow his commandment.
As Ambassador of Burundi, I am urging all Burundians to contribute to our country’s development. I also request you to stop slandering your country. No matter what, your country will always be your country. You will never get another one. You can get as many citizenships as you like Burundi will always be your first country and will always welcome you as a mother.
Burundi is our motherland, whatever we will become, we will remain bound to Burundi, our country. Burundi will always be our motherland.
This takes my mind back to the lyrics of A Calypso by Lord Kitchener, Grandmaster of Calypso, “I can always get a wife, but I can never get another mother in my life”.(ed.)
Recently some Burundians tried to smear the image of Burundi.
This is an unpatriotic act and not compatible with our values.
Our country is like our mother not customary to maltreat your mother or father. A Burundian who dares to ill-treat parents and smear the image of the country is considered someone who lost his identity, his culture, and values. Has become as cursed person.
Let us change positively and join the call of our President to rebuild the image of our beloved country.
Since my arrival in the Netherlands, you responded positively and massively. There is a bright tomorrow, and the future holds many good surprises.
I thank you all so much for your sacrifices. Let us remain united, contribute to the promotion of the image of our country and remain focused on the development of Burundi.
Enjoy this celebration of our 61st Independence Day. And May God Bless you all.”
