A group of cyclists riding through East and Southern Africa arrived in Burundi this week as part of a cross-border trip meant to promote ties between citizens and raise awareness of East African integration.
The 2026 Great African Cycling Safari began in Uganda on Aug. 12. The delegation includes 33 cyclists from six East African Community member states and one participant from the Southern African Development Community.
Foreign Minister Édouard Bizimana received the group in Bujumbura on Friday. “Regional integration must be driven by the citizens themselves,” Bizimana said at a news conference, according to remarks released by the Foreign Ministry.
He said travel between East African Community countries gives people chances to meet, exchange ideas and learn about one another’s societies, products and forms of cooperation.
John Bosco Balongo, who is responsible for the safari, said the cyclists meet residents along the route as well as government officials, public institutions and private-sector representatives. He said the East African Community should give citizens a larger role and involve the private sector more closely, and he called for more participation by citizens and businesses.
Organizers said they chose cycling partly because it lets participants travel slowly through communities and interact with residents. The event’s slogan is “One people, one destiny, one team, one dream.”
The East African Community has supported the initiative in the past, describing it as a platform for citizen engagement, cultural exchange and awareness of the bloc. This year’s route is expected to include community activities, school visits and environmental projects.
The bloc’s integration agenda covers trade, movement of people and investment. It is largely pursued through governments, regional institutions and formal negotiations, and carried out by national institutions and at borders. The ride does not change those policies. Organizers said its aim is to create direct contact between people in the region.
