Brussels, 16 June 2020/OACPS: On behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto ChikotiI, congratulates the Government and people of the Republic of Burundi for the smooth and peaceful elections, which took place on May 22 2020.

The Secretary-General congratulates the President Elect, H.E. Major General Evariste Ndayishimiye, on his accession to the Presidency of the Republic of Burundi, and takes this opportunity to pay homage to the late President Pierre Nkurunziza.

The OACPS reaffirms its commitment to the principles of solidarity and complementarity and commends the pledge by the East Africa Community (EAC) to support Burundi in their efforts towards realizing the vision of a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically-united East Africa.

The OACPS, in accordance with the objectives of its constitutive act, the revised Georgetown Agreement of 2019, reiterates its commitment to the strengthening of peace and stability, and supporting of democratic processes. To this end, the Organisation renews its support to the Government and people of the Republic of Burundi to further build a country that promotes the well-being of its citizens and ensures inclusive, sustainable development.