President of Burundi and AU Chairperson Hails Ethiopia as Cradle of African Diplomacy, Praises Its Continental Legacy

Addis Ababa, September 11, 2026 (FMC) — President of Burundi and AU Chairperson Évariste Ndayishimiye has hailed Ethiopia’s “singular place in the heart of our continent,” describing the country as the cradle of African diplomacy and a living symbol of the unity, independence and dignity that generations of Africans have fought for.

In a New Year message extended as Ethiopia welcomed 2019, Ndayishimiye conveyed his warmest wishes to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Ethiopian people, expressing what he described as deep fraternal affection on behalf of himself and the people of Burundi.

He highlighted Ethiopia’s historic role as the host of the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa and its longstanding place in the continent’s diplomatic life, saying the country has come to embody ideals central to Africa’s collective journey.

The Burundian President also drew on his personal experience of Ethiopia, noting that he had witnessed the country’s hospitality and steadfast partnership, as well as its commitment to the shared continental project.

On the occasion of the Ethiopian New Year, he wished the Ethiopian people peace in their homes, unity among their communities and prosperity in their endeavors.

In his capacity as AU Chairperson, Ndayishimiye reaffirmed his personal solidarity with Ethiopia and his commitment, alongside all AU Member States, to building a united, peaceful and prosperous Africa—an aspiration he said Ethiopia has done much to inspire.

His message came as Ethiopia ushered in Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, with celebrations across the country, marking the beginning of 2019 in the Ethiopian calendar.

The New Year message thus carried both a fraternal and continental dimension, with Ethiopia’s historical contribution to African unity and diplomacy placed at the heart of the greetings from the President of Burundi and AU Chairperson.