Bujumbura : Archbishop Banshimiyubusa urges authorities to avoid persecution against opponents

This Thursday, Burundi commemorated the 61st anniversary of the assassination of Prince Louis Rwagasore, hero of Burundi’s independence. Archbishop Gervais Banshimiyubusa of Bujumbura asked authorities to avoid exclusion and persecution against opponents. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

It was a public holiday in Burundi. The majority of Burundians have praised on social media “a courageous prince, loving peace and reconciliation, an extraordinary statesman”. In all the provinces, ceremonies in memory of Prince Louis Rwagasore were organized. The main one took place in the commercial city Bujumbura.

Head of State Évariste Ndayishimiye, his wife and almost all members of the government went to the mausoleum of Rwagasore on the hill of Vugizo and participated in a mass read at the Regina Mundi cathedral.

The Archbishop of Bujumbura Mgr Gervais Banshimiyubusa who read the mass returned to the values ​​which characterized the hero of the independence of Burundi. He also reminded the assembly of the origin of exclusions, separations before questioning.

“Are there not people like Rwagasore whom we continue to persecute, drive away and even kill while convincing ourselves that these are the herbs to be eliminated so that we can continue on our path well?” He called on Burundians especially the leaders to avoid exclusion. Prince Louis Rwagasore was assassinated on October 13, 1961. Burundi became independent on July 1 the following year.

According to Aline Ndenzako, niece of Rwagasore and founder of the association “common memories, common future”, “Rwagasore did not die a beautiful death, he died for his country. He was killed for the fight he led. He died so that the injustices that are taking hold would cease. He died for the unity of Burundians. He died so that we do not fall into the trap of the settler that was hatred and division”.

On July 1, 2019, during the celebration of the 57th anniversary of the independence of Burundi, the late President Pierre Nkurunziza changed names of several infrastructures including the Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium which bore the name of the hero of independence.