We are more than just neighbours, Kagame tells Burundians

President Kagame speaking at the Burundi Independence celebrations flanked by Burundi’s  President Nkurunziza

President Paul Kagame joined Burundian President, Pierre Nkurunziza and hundreds of Burundians to celebrate their 51^st Independence Day celebrations in Bujumbura on Monday.

In his address at the independence celebrations, Kagame said: “We are more than neighbors, we are brothers and sisters and we will continue to work together and help each other move forward.”

Addressing those present, President Kagame reiterated the intention to continue close cooperation among the two nations.

Giving his keynote address, President Nkurunziza called on a change of mindset and for all Burundians to strive for unity.

“We were created to live in unity and we must work together to ensure that our legacy to future generation is a brighter Burundi,” said Nkurunziza.

The ceremony which took place on the Boulevard de l’Uprona was also attended by President Kenyatta and officials from across the region.

In line with regional cooperation, Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta donated over thirty thousand tiles for schools construction in Burundi.

The celebrations were marked by performances from world renowned Burundian drummers, parade of private and public sectors as well as military parade which ended with a luncheon hosted by President Nkurunziza and attended by President Kagame and President Kenyatta.

Burundi and Rwanda jointly gained independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. Formerly German colonies, Rwanda and Burundi were declared Belgian protectorates after the First World War.