The President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza has signed a decree pardoning thousands of prisoners that have been langusihing in different prisons in the country.
The pardon decree is a goodwill gesture by the Burundi Government to address overcrowing in Burundi prisons and letting prisoners free to celebrate Burundi’s 50th anniversary of independence from Belgium.
Meanwhile, on 50th independence day celebrations on June 2 held in Bujumbura city at Prince Louis Rwangasore Stadium, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was honoured with the National Order the Republic of Burundi for his efforts towards the pacification of Burundi.
The National Order the Republic is the highest order bestowed upon outstanding individuals for their distinguished contribution to various national socio- economic spheres of national significance.
President Nkurunziza commended Uganda and President Museveni, in particular, for his efforts in restoring peace and security in Burundi.
Iconic former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela and current president Jacob Zuma and the late former President of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere were the other leaders who were recognized for their contribution to the Burundi peace process.
However, Museveni was not present at the glamarous ceremony but the Order was presented to the Vice President Edward Ssekandi by President Pierre Nkuruziza.
Burundi gained its independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. However, this year’s anniversary was marked on July 2 since July 1 which fell on a Sunday is a public holiday on the Burundian calendar.
Present at the anniversary celebrations included; Presidents Mwai Kibaki (Kenya),Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania), Joseph Kabila (Democratic Republic of Congo), Teodoro Obiang (Equatorial Guinea) and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.
President Nkurunziza said Burundi’s peace mission to Somalia is not aimed at achieving any personal benefit but it is a sacrifice in appreciation for the support Burundi got from countries that contributed to the peace in the country which is now more than ever needed by the people of Somalia.
He also called for faster tracking of the East African Community as one way of ensuring regional stability, security and development.
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