Conference organised by the National Council of Bashingantahe on Sociocultural Transformation for Integral and Sustainable Development in Burundi – 2 and 3 June 2026

The Bashingantahe symposium, held on 2 and 3 June 2026 at the Donatus Conference Centre in Bujumbura, brought together over a hundred participants, demonstrating the growing commitment to socio-cultural transformation in Burundi. The event brought together members of the Executive Committee of the National Council of the Bashingantahe, members of the Executive Committee of the Intahe Foundation, representatives of the Bashingantahe from various areas of Bujumbura, representatives of the Bashingantahe from the former provinces of Burundi, as well as Bashingantahe from the diaspora, notably from Europe, Canada and the United States of America. The symposium was also attended by representatives of the state and the administration, NGOs, civil society organisations, religious groups, entrepreneurs, women and young people, creating an environment conducive to fruitful discussions.

Following the group discussions, several recommendations were put forward. It was proposed that greater use be made of the Kirundi language and cultural values in development initiatives. Participants also suggested organising training workshops to improve their leadership and mediation skills. Furthermore, awareness-raising campaigns on sustainable development were recommended, along with concrete measures to encourage young people to become actively involved in preserving cultural traditions.

The symposium concluded with a closing address delivered by Adrien SIBOMANA, President of the National Council of Bashingantahe.

He thanked all participants for their commitment and contribution. He emphasised that the symposium had helped to build a consensus on the importance of collaboration for Burundi’s development.

He encouraged everyone to share the ideas discussed and to take concrete action within their communities.

Finally, he emphasised the importance of working with organisations such as UNESCO to secure recognition of the Ubushingantahe as intangible cultural heritage, thereby strengthening the role of the Bashingantahe in the country’s sustainable development.

This symposium marked a significant step towards a future in which traditional values and modern aspirations coexist harmoniously for the good of Burundi.