Burundi is commemorating two years since the death of its former president Pierre Nkurunziza who died of a heart attack on June 8th, 2020, his death caught Burundians with surprise after his last public appearance in Gitega where he was watching a volleyball match.
The day is now dedicated as a National Day for Patriotism that is celebrated annually throughout the country, this year’s event was marked in the country’s capital Gitega where ceremonies were conducted among which included laying wreath on the tombs of the country’s former president Pierre Nkurunziza.
President Pierre Nkurunziza took over the office in 2005 from which he ruled the country for 15 years, making him the first ever Burundi president to rule the country for 15 years.
“We went astray if you see how our ancestors loved the country and fought for the country we need to follow this path, but we shouldn’t be discouraged because now we are on the right path and direction because now all Burundians are moving on after what happened in the country,” said president Evariste Ndayishimiye while addressing the crowd and officials that attended the ceremony in Gitega.
President Pierre Nkurunziza was expected to finish his third term in August 2020 as the president Evariste Ndayishimiye was expected to take oath in two months’ time.
The ceremonies of the National Day of Patriotism took place at the Ingoma Stadium where all public institutions were invited to follow lessons relating to Patriotism given by national experts aimed at reminding the leader of their part to play in their offices for the good of the country.
“We have a lot of prisoners in Burundi and in most cases if you see why they are convicted is because of the past…we need to pray a lot and take God’s path this will help us move on,” said Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye.