Burundi : Nkurunziza renames countries’ biggest infrastructure before his term ends

By Maniraguha Ferdinand

President Pierre Nkurunziza

President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza has renamed the  countries’ biggest infrastructures as a gift to those who fought for independence.

On 1st  July 2019 Burundi celebrates 57th independance acquired from Belgium in 1962.

During his speech on the eve of the  independance, President Nkurunziza revealed  new names of Burundi’s biggest infrastructure including national airport.

Among renamed infrastructure includes Bujumbura International Airport which is now Merchior Ndadaye International Airport, Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium renamed Heroes Stadium.

Prince Louis Rwagasore who brought Burundi to independance also was honoured by renaming low house palace after him.

A route in Bujumbura was dedicated to Lt. Gén. Adolphe Nshimirimana, a senior military figure loyal to Nkurunziza who was shot dead  in 2015.

President Nkurunziza also suspends  compulusory contributions  to next year’s general elections.

He said that they have already collected sufficient amount of money required to have credible elections.

However, Nkurunziza urged those who wish to go on contributing.

By the end of 2017, government of Burundi urged people to partcipate into contributions aimed at raising sufficient budget to fund  2020 general elections.

President Nkurunziza announced he will not run for another term after the one he is serving which ends next year.

Amidst an opposition boycott, Nkurunziza was re-elected for a third term in the July 2015 presidential election which was marred by violence., and thousands of people fled the country.