Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye visited several mining sites in the country’s central and eastern regions on Saturday, calling for reforms in the sector and encouraging the youth to engage in productive work.
Ndayishimiye began his visit at the Nyabikere cassiterite mining site in Karusi Province, operated by the Shishikara Light Cooperative. During the visit, the president instructed the Office of the Burundian Mining Board (OBM) to review existing mining contracts with local cooperatives.
He then traveled to the Rutanganika mining site in Makebuko, Gitega Province, which is operated by the Abahizi Minerals Cooperative. Ndayishimiye continued to emphasize the importance of proper management in the mining industry.
The president also visited the East African Drilling and Granite site in Makebuko to assess progress on the construction of a plant that will process inert rocks into tiles, ornamental stones, and marble.
In his address to miners and local residents, Ndayishimiye stressed the need for hard work and the elimination of “amaligala,” a term referring to idle social gatherings among young people. He called on the youth to focus on productive activities and contribute to the country’s development.
The visit underscores Ndayishimiye’s administration’s efforts to improve Burundi’s mining sector and promote economic growth.
