BUJUMBURA, July 3 (NNN-GNA) — Burundi will rename some of its key streets and buildings to reflect the sovereignty of the central African country, President Pierre Nkurunziza said in a message to the nation to commemorate Independence Day.
Burundi gained independence on July 1, 1962 from Belgium.
The new names, many of which are derived from Burundi’s prominent figures, became effective on July 1 when the country marked Independence Day, Nkurunziza said in Bujumbura, commercial capital of Burundi.
“We, the Burundian people, will finance the national budget 2019/2020 up to 84 percent. In 2015, 52 percent of the country’s annual budget had to come from foreign partners. The 2020 elections are also to be held without any foreign aid. This proves real sovereignty,” he said.
The China-aided Burundian new state house will be named after Burundi’s first king Ntare Rushatsi. Bujumbura International Airport will be called Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, named after the country’s first Hutu democratically elected president.
The proposed houses to host the National Assembly and the Senate in the political capital Gitega will be called Prince Louis Rwagasore House and Pierre Ngendandumwe House respectively. — NNN-GNA
