Burundi awards top Patriotism Medal to son of late Nkurunziza

BUJUMBURA, Burundi

The first son of Burundi's former President, Pierre Nkurunziza, has been elevated to a heroic position only reserved for the country’s distinguished citizens.

President Maj. Gen. Evariste Ndayishimiye awarded, Lieutenant Kelly Nkurunziza, a medal for Patriotism on Wednesday during the Burundi's 58^th independence anniversary celebrations.

As guarantor of the regime in Burundi, former Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete has also been awarded a similar medal including a dozen others.

President Ndayishimiye carefully called forward the distinguished persons and presented them with plaques of the award.

Burundi political analysts say, President Ndayishimiye who has been a close confidant of late leader Pierre Nkurunziza is determined to do all he can to prop up Lt. Nkurunziza.

The young Lt. Nkurunziza who recently completed a commando course as best student at a facility of Burundi’s military executives is lined up for hurried promotions in military ranks during President Ndayishimiye’s first term in office.

President Ndayishimiye may prefer to place the young Nkurunziza in a strategic military position to allow him gain control and experience. The patriotism medal awarded to him is also an important first asset to introduce him to CNDD-FDD ruling party ranks.

Analysts argue that before his death, former President Nkurunziza had exhaustingly negotiated for his exit from government and made concessions for his continuity through the son.

In the next seven years President Ndayishimiye is expected to consolidate power while ensuring that late Nkurunziza’s legacy keeps glowing through the son.

Under the current political set up in Burundi, the successor to Ndayishimiye in 2034 has already been determined and what is remaining is just the mentoring process.

The mentoring will include deep exposure to the regime military ideology and also gradual but effective influence within the ruling party CNDD-FDD.

However, such moves by President Ndayishimiye may not be effective because Burundi cannot afford to continue functioning in isolation. The country has to fix its credibility towards the region and international community.

Burundi people known for their political agility may not allow remaining in isolation, poverty and restrictive political bondage- this is the point of weakness that will put to test Ndayishimiye’s regime for the next seven years.