IMBONERAKURE DAY : THE PRESIDENT OF THE ECCAS COMMISSION SALUE ENGAGEMENT OF BURUNDI IN FAVOUR OF ITS YOUTH

Gitega, Republic of Burundi, 29 August 2026 – The Delegation of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) led by its President, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Ezekiel Nibigira took an active part, this Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the 10th edition of the National Youth Day "IMBORERAKURE", celebrated at the Grand Stade Ingoma de Gitega.

This great event, which brought together more than 15,000 young people from Burundi and other African countries, took place in the presence of the President of the Republic of Burundi, current President of the African Union and African Union Champion for the Agenda for Youth, Peace and Security, His Excellency Evarist NDAYISHIMIE.

During the ceremony, the Chairman of the ECCAS Commission, Ambassador Dr. Ezekiel Nibigira, expressed his gratitude to the Head of State of Burundi and to the ruling party for their continued commitment to youth. It welcomed the efforts of the Government of Burundi to promote the involvement of young people in development issues and in the control of New Information and Communication Technologies (NICT). " This day demonstrates the central role played by youth in building our region. ECCAS reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that enable young people in Central Africa to become actors in development", He said.

Speaking to close the festivities, the Head of State, His Excellency Évariste NDAYISHIMIYE, also President of the Council of Wise Men within the National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces pour la Défense de la Démocratie (CNDD-FDD), affirmed that Burundian youth have now turned their back on the manipulations that prevented them from moving forward. He stressed that young people are now at work and are actively involved in the development of the country.

Delegations from different countries to take part in the celebration welcomed the leaders of Burundi and the CNDD-FDD party for their efforts to promote national development. They expressed their appreciation of the momentum in Burundi and the involvement of its youth in development initiatives. They also presented presents to the Head of State in recognition of his attention to youth.

The participation of the ECCAS Commission in this 10th edition of the IMONERAKURE DAY illustrates the importance attached by the Community institution to the role of youth as a lever for peace, stability and growth in Central Africa.