IAWPA Flags Off Peace Campaign In Burundi, Honours President Ndayishimiye

The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) as flagged off a major peace campaign in Burundi and conferred an honour on President Évariste Ndayishimiye at a ceremony held at the Source du Nil Hotel, Bujumbura.

The event, according to IAWPA in a statement distributed to newsmen in Abuja, Nigeria, by its Media and Publicity Director, P.Amb. Nwokoma Messiah, witnessed the inauguration of the IAWPA Burundi Directorate under P.Amb. Nduwimana Jean Claude, alongside the recognition of other well-meaning Burundians for their peace efforts through appointment as Eminent Peace Ambassadors.

The inauguration, according to the report, was carried out by IAWPA’s International Spokesman, P.Amb. Emmanuel Nkweke, who arrived in Bujumbura from Nigeria to lead the association’s delegation which also comprised delegates from Uganda and Tanzania.

IAWPA said the establishment of its Burundi chapter underscored its commitment to expanding frontiers for peace and to advancing the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.

The campaign will deepen collaboration with government institutions, traditional and faith leaders, civil society, youth and women groups to strengthen dialogue, reconciliation and community-owned peacebuilding across the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, P.Amb. Emmanuel Nkweke noted that honouring President Evariste Ndayishimiye and empowering a Burundi-led directorate signalled IAWPA’s resolve to work hand-in-hand with national stakeholders in Burundi to translate peace commitments into tangible development outcomes for Burundians and the wider East African region.

Speaking at the event, the Country Director of IAWPA in Burundi, P.Amb. Nduwimana Jean Claude, said IAWPA in Burundi was poised to promoting peace and the ideals of the sustainable development goals. He also hailed the peace efforts of President Ndayishimiye, who also doubles as the chairman of the African Union (AU), describing his efforts as legendary in the pursuit of peace in the country and in Africa.

He also said IAWPA in Burundi will be organising a special event in September to mark the 64th anniversary of Burundi joining the United Nations (UN)