On November 12, 2026, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye received Catholic Church leaders, who presented concerns about citizens' welfare and national development. The meeting at the State House in Bujumbura focused on the government's relations with the Catholic Church, its role in national development, and operational issues. The Church leaders expressed concerns about the country's economic and social challenges.
The meeting came after a four-day conference in Bujumbura between Burundian and Rwandan Catholic Church leaders. The conference, which ended on November 12, 2026, discussed issues affecting both countries, including security, citizens' welfare, education, and the Church's role in promoting peace. One key request was for the governments of Rwanda and Burundi to re-engage in talks to improve relations and reopen their closed border.
President Ndayishimiye praised the Catholic Church's role in development, particularly in education, healthcare, and social services. He assured the Church leaders that peace and security had been restored across the country and promised that economic challenges would be addressed through collective effort and commitment. The President also emphasized his role as a leader for all Burundians, regardless of their religious affiliations.
The Catholic Church leaders, led by Bishop Joachim NTAHONDEREYE and Cardinal Antoine KAMBANDA, expressed concerns about the continued closure of the Burundi-Rwanda border, which they said was affecting citizens' movement, trade, and social interactions. They requested that the two governments resume dialogue to normalize relations and reopen the border.
The Church leaders also raised concerns about poverty, shortages of basic goods, and the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They called for assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons. The conference concluded with a Mass at the Regina Mundi Cathedral in Bujumbura.
The request to reopen the Burundi-Rwanda border was made at a time when relations between the two countries have been strained. The Catholic Church leaders emphasized that dialogue and cooperation were essential to resolving issues and restoring good relations between the two nations.
President Ndayishimiye assured the Church leaders that his government would continue to engage with various stakeholders and prioritize dialogue and cooperation to maintain national unity. The meeting was seen as a positive step towards addressing the country's challenges and promoting peace and development.
Key points
- The Burundian Catholic Church has requested President Evariste Ndayishimiye to reopen the country's border with Rwanda.
- The request was made after a four-day conference between Burundian and Rwandan Catholic Church leaders.
- The Church leaders expressed concerns about poverty, shortages of basic goods, and the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
