As Burundi wrapped up the 18th edition of the peace torch Caravan on Saturday at Gatwaro Stadium in Kayanza Province, opinions in Rumonge, a southern province, remain divided over the meaning of the Peace Torch.
Some residents admitted to being unclear about its purpose. “When it comes to our province, people participate in community activities, but we still don’t fully understand its true meaning,” said a man in his fifties from the Mutambara area.
Others see the torch as a driver of community development. “I’ve heard about the peace torch in relation to community projects, like building public infrastructure in other provinces,” shared another resident from Mutambara.
For some, however, the peace torch represents peace itself. “I first learned about it in a refugee camp in Tanzania, where it was called Mwenge. It symbolizes peace, and people need to appreciate its importance,” explained Zuena, a resident of Gatete zone.
During the closing ceremony in Kayanza, President Évariste Ndayishimiye underscored the torch’s national significance. “The peace torch is a vital symbol of peace, earned after significant effort. It reflects the stability in Burundi and will be passed down through generations,” he said.
With the 2025 legislative elections approaching, Ndayishimiye emphasized the caravan’s primary message: encouraging citizens to elect leaders aligned with the country’s vision of becoming an emerging nation by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.
Still, many in Rumonge believe more awareness campaigns are necessary to ensure Burundians understand the torch’s symbolism and its role in promoting unity and development.
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