By Samuel Ouma
BUJUMBURA, Burundi – Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has called on citizens to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, personal responsibility and hard work, saying the country’s abundant natural and human resources position it to achieve sustainable prosperity within a relatively short period.
Speaking during the monthly interfaith prayer organized by the ruling CNDD-FDD party at its headquarters in Bujumbura, President Ndayishimiye urged Burundians to break free from limiting mindsets that have slowed national development and instead cultivate a culture of creativity, resilience and productivity.
The gathering brought together members of the ruling party, known as Bagumyabanga, as the Head of State—who also serves as Chairperson of the African Union and President of the CNDD-FDD Board of Elders—reflected on leadership and national transformation.
Drawing inspiration from Exodus 18:13-26 under the theme, “A true leader stands out by his ability to provide concrete solutions to the requests of citizens,” Ndayishimiye stressed that effective leadership must be measured by practical results rather than rhetoric.
He said Burundi possesses enormous untapped potential capable of driving rapid economic growth if citizens commit themselves to determination, perseverance and responsible action.
The president encouraged Burundians to abandon what he described as oppressive and restrictive ways of thinking, urging them to adopt progressive attitudes marked by innovation, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.
Productivity Over Dependence
Ndayishimiye emphasized that every citizen has inherent leadership potential and should engage in productive activities that create tangible value.
“There is no glory or wealth born out of laziness or idleness,” he said, encouraging citizens to make better use of the country’s abundant resources while pursuing meaningful economic activities.
He also urged individuals to focus on solving their own challenges instead of comparing themselves with others, saying personal responsibility is essential to both individual success and national development.
Quoting scripture, he reminded citizens that each person should examine their own work and take pride in their own accomplishments rather than measuring themselves against others.
Call for Unity and Complementarity
The Burundian leader underscored the importance of mutual dependence and complementarity within society, arguing that many of the country’s past conflicts could have been avoided if citizens had recognized the value of working together.
He lamented the rivalries and violence that have marked parts of Burundi’s history, saying a better understanding that no individual is entirely self-sufficient would strengthen national unity and social cohesion.
According to the president, people should view their different talents and abilities as complementary strengths capable of advancing the country’s collective development.
Accountability and Resilience
Concluding his address, Ndayishimiye urged citizens to acknowledge their mistakes rather than blame others for their shortcomings.
He encouraged Burundians to demonstrate resilience by learning from failures, correcting their mistakes and continuing to pursue progress instead of seeking scapegoats.
The monthly interfaith prayer forms part of the CNDD-FDD’s regular engagement with party members and supporters, blending spiritual reflection with discussions on governance, leadership and national development priorities.
