Burundi Unites for International Peace Day Match

A special CORD Peace One Day football match between returning refugees and local villagers kicked off in Giharo Commune, Burundi to mark the UN's Annual Day of Peace, of worldwide ceasefire and non violence.

100 million people in 192 member countries participated, allowing September 21st to be marked by life saving initiatives, such as mass child vaccinations, across the globe.

As peace builders, CORD works across Rutana Province with hundreds of returning refugees, and is committed to the One Day, One Goal campaign backed by Puma. The match between local side Eagle Boys and "Amavubi" the repatriate team- saw Eagle Boys enjoy a 2-0 victory and added Burundi to the list of UN member countries supporting cooperation and unity through the power of football on this special day.

‘Football in Burundi was severely hampered by the long civil war and this was a chance to celebrate the country's progress in its return to peace, and to a semblance of normality,’ said CORD Country Director Serge Ntabikiyoboka.

The peace celebration included traditional Burundian drumming and a moving reenactment of refugees being welcomed back after 15 long years of exile in neighbouring Tanzania.

It was also a chance to mark the completion of five primary schools which CORD has helped to build as part of the organisation’s long term programme of support for the region as its people strive for a peaceable future after years of disruption and suffering.