Mgr. Joachim Ntahondereye, Bishop of Muyinga (Burundi) and President of the Burundese Bishops’ Conference, visited COMECE in order to draw the attention of the European institutions to the political, social and economic challenges his country is currently facing.
(Credit: web)
During his meeting with COMECE General Secretary, Mgr. Ntahondereye expressed his concern for the situation of young people in Burundi. According to the Bishop, the European Union could make its support for local non-governamental actors, including religious organisations, more effective in order to create formation and employment opportunities that would empower young people to actively participate in social, economic and political life.
Moreover, Mgr. Ntahondereye called for a review of those aspects of the sanctions policy particularly affecting the most vulnerable parts of the Burundese civilian population.
His visit to Belgium was part of the Lenten campaign of Entraide et Fraternité focusing on local women and family farming initiatives in Burundi and the DR Congo.
COMECE, together with the African Bishops (SECAM), published recently a joint Statement urging EU and African political leaderships to focus on the empowerment of youth on both continents.