Leaders Unite in Bujumbura to Discuss Role of the church in National Security
On 25 March 2026, the Association of Evangelicals in Burundi (AEB) organized an awareness workshop in Bujumbura that brought together leaders from the Islamic community, the Anglican Church, and various Christian denominations. The gathering also included government officials—including a representative of the Minister of the Interior—as well as members of the national security forces.
The workshop hosted a distinguished group of speakers, including Emmanuel Ndayiziga, Major General of Police responsible for national security coordination and oversight (Session on national security structures), Bishop Déogratias NHIIMIYIMANA, and Pastor Onésphore Manirakiza, church leaders actively involved in community mobilization and practical ministry (Session on practical church engagement), who contributed key insights during the programme.
The turnout of security stakeholders—including senior officers, commissioners, and police personnel—demonstrated the importance of coordinated engagement between faith communities and public institutions. In his session, the Major General of Police explained how national security structures function to preserve stability, while also highlighting the valuable role religious communities can play in fostering and sustaining peace.
In his remarks, it was emphasised by Edmund Gakiza, Secretary General of AEB, that this initiative marks an important step in strengthening collaboration between Christian denominations and government institutions in the shared pursuit of peace and national cohesion.
