As Burundi celebrated the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, President Evariste Ndayishimiye issued a strong warning to men who abandon their family duties, vowing that those who neglect their responsibilities will be assigned mandatory community service.
Speaking at an event in Bubanza province, northwestern Burundi, Ndayishimiye called on men to actively support their wives in daily tasks instead of spending their time idling in bars or other drinking establishments.
“I will no longer tolerate seeing men idly sitting in bars while their wives complain of being left alone with all household responsibilities,” Ndayishimiye said. “Those who refuse to contribute to their families’ well-being will be assigned community development tasks.”
The president emphasized that 2025 had been designated as the “Year of Hard Work,” urging every Burundian to take an active role in the country’s development and contribute to its long-term vision for 2040-2060. He stressed the importance of self-sufficient families and collective progress, saying that no one should be left behind.
To enforce this vision, Ndayishimiye directed local administrators to organize agricultural and other development projects, where men found idling would be put to work.
“Every local administrator must initiate community development projects and assign those wasting time to productive activities,” he said, adding that the proceeds from these initiatives would help support struggling communities and fight hunger. “If nothing is done, Burundi will struggle to reach its development goals,” he warned, urging the nation to “roll up its sleeves” and work toward a better future.
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