Panafrican News Agency

Burundian president congratulates CAR counterpart for election victory

Bujumbura, Burundi (PANA) - Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, has congratulated his Central African Republic (CAR) counterpart, Faustin-Archange Touadera, for his election victory in the December 27 presidential election.

In a message on his Twitter account, President Ndayishimiye congratulated "his brother" Touadera, for the renewed confidence of the Central African people who went to the polls, "despite terrorist threats".

Ndayishimiye further assures that Burundi will "always" be on the side of the Central African Republic to guarantee peace within UNMISCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic).

On Monday, January 4, the Central African Republic's Electoral Commission declared Mr Touadera winner of the presidential election with 53.92 per cent of the votes cast, against 16 other opposition candidates.

On the eve of the dual presidential and legislative elections, three Burundian peacekeepers lost their lives in a country undermined by an endless civil war.

The Burundian military battalion has been engaged in the Central African Republic since 2014 and has already suffered several deadly attacks by rebel groups hostile to the central government in Bangui.

-0- PANA FB/JSG/SOC/MTA/VAO 5Jan2021