BUJUMBURA, July 2 — Burundian citizens on Wednesday celebrated the 64th anniversary of the country’s independence, with calls from President Evariste Ndayishimiye for more patriotism.
Under the theme “Together, let us consolidate the gains of independence through economic autonomy,” the ceremonies marking this historic event for Burundi took place at Intwari Stadium in the heart of the commercial capital, Bujumbura, attended by Burundian top authorities as well as diplomats accredited to Burundi. In his remarks, Ndayishimiye called on Burundian citizens to recognize that the country’s development depends on their own achievements, adding that patriotism is essential to safeguard independence gains and to reach economic independence. He called on Burundian citizens to preserve their cultural and patriotic values, to strengthen unity and social cohesion. “After 64 years of Burundi’s independence, we cannot continue to complain about colonizers while the country belongs to us,” he said, calling on Burundians to rise and work, because the country has a lot of resources for its development. The ceremonies were also marked by a military parachuting, a parade of military and police officers, and a parade of military equipment. Since the late 19th century, Burundi was successively colonized by Germans and Belgians, until it gained independence on July 1, 1962.
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