ECCAS WELCOMES THE COMMITMENT OF THE FIRST LADY OF BURUNDI

Wednesday 12 August 2026 - ( Gabonese Republic) - On an official visit to Bujumbura, a delegation of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), led by Ambassador Dr. Ezekiel Nibigira, warmly welcomed the social and medical works carried out by the First Lady of Burundi, Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye, in favour of the most vulnerable populations. Recognition at the highest regional summitThis Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the First Lady of the Republic of Burundi and representative of the Foundation Good Action UmugiranezaAngeline Ndayishimiye, granted a hearing at the headquarters of the First Lady Office for Development of Burundi (OPDD) to a high-level delegation of ECCAS. The diplomatic and humanitarian meeting, led by the Chairman of the Commission, Ambassador Dr. Ezekiel Nibigira, was extended by a field visit to observe the deployment of social assistance programmes. Witnessing the impact of social works on the groundIn an effort to understand the reality of the projects that it had been following so far through the media, the ECCAS delegation wished to permeate directly the Burundian model of intervention. Following the discussions, Ambassador Dr. Ezekiel Nibigira was deeply impressed by the effectiveness of the scheme, which primarily benefits low-income families. The impact of these actions is now beyond the national framework: several patients from neighbouring countries are regularly welcomed and cared for in the same way as Burundian citizens, illustrating active subregional solidarity. " These initiatives are crucial to the sustainable improvement of the living conditions of the people, not only in Burundi, but also throughout Central Africa. » — Ambassador Dr. Ezekiel Nibigira, Chairman of the ECCAS CommissionPromoting women's leadership and subregional entrepreneurshipBeyond the health and humanitarian dimension, discussions have opened up promising opportunities for women's empowerment. ECCAS therefore formally invited the First Lady to sponsor the next regional competition for women entrepreneurs from the Member States of the Community. Welcoming this proposal warmly, Ms Angeline Ndayishimiye made a vibrant appeal to all women in the subregion, urging them to mobilize massively to make this event a showcase of innovation, know-how and women's leadership in Central Africa. At the heart of the action: restoring the sight of the most deprivedFollowing the hearing, the First Lady guided the delegation to the LACAN health centre, a medical infrastructure under the authority of the Foundation. Good Action Umugiraneza. On the spot, ECCAS was involved in an extensive campaign to screen and perform free surgery for eye diseases, especially cataracts.400 patients supported: Full free ophthalmological and surgical care for the poor.Autonomy found: A program designed to provide vision recovery and promote the socio-economic reintegration of beneficiaries.Transboundary radiation: A model of medical assistance open to nationals of neighbouring countries. Humans at the heart of regional integrationThis observation visit reaffirms the central role of social cooperation in the ECCAS vision. By placing the human person and active solidarity at the heart of development, the delegation of the ECCAS Commission alongside the First Lady of Burundi provides a tangible illustration that regional integration is built primarily by concrete actions to serve the well-being of citizens.