President Évariste Ndayishimiye attended a ceremony in Kigarika where 231 members of the FRAD completed three months of military training.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye on Thursday attended a ceremony in Kigarika, Ruyigi province, to award berets to the first graduating class of the Force de réserve et d’appui au développement (FRAD). A total of 231 members completed three months of training. The event took place amid a significant security force presence in the area and the town of Ruyigi. Kigarika, formerly a public seed center, is now a military training site that includes members of the Imbonerakure, the youth league of the ruling CNDD-FDD party.
The ceremony featured military demonstrations by the graduates, an inspection of troops by the head of state, and tree planting activities aimed at environmental protection. General Prime Niyongabo, Chief of General Staff of the National Defence Force of Burundi (FDNB), and individuals close to the presidency were also present. President Ndayishimiye did not deliver a speech, limiting his participation to observing the events and troop inspection.
The organization of the presidential visit was noted for its unusual discretion, with public media notified late the night before. The president arrived approximately two hours after the scheduled 9 a.m. start time. His motorcade from Gitega, the political capital, was also notably quiet, lacking the usual sirens and flashing lights. Media coverage was reportedly subject to strict controls.
Why it mattersThe event is significant for the ruling party's youth wing and the national defense force, indicating a focus on internal security and development initiatives.
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