The Norwegians warmly welcomed my book, The pangs of Exile, for the benefits of My Nation*, now translated into their language and brilliantly published.
The launch of the Norwegian version took place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Stjørdal Frivillig Senter, in the province of Trøndelag, in the presence of several distinguished guests. Among them was the Deputy Mayor of my municipality, Ms. Renate Trøan Bjørhol, who praised the fact that I was the first migrant to publish a book in their municipality, and especially in their language. This pioneering event in this community was marked by a symbolic gesture: the municipality presented me with a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation and congratulations.
The Norwegian Church of Stjørdal, where I am involved, was represented by the parish priest, Per Anto Leite, accompanied by several members. They also marked the occasion with a bouquet of flowers, expressing their gratitude.
Bjørn Ove Rydland, editor-in-chief and owner of the publishing house that publishes my book in Norwegian, honored the event with his presence. His moving speech revealed his motivations for translating my work. His sincere praise for the book and its author deeply touched me.
The presence of my musician friend Øystein Bliksås, who has been with me since my arrival in Norway, was also very meaningful. He opened the ceremony by playing a sweet melody on the trumpet, an instrument he masters with talent. His testimony, which moved the audience, deeply moved me.
My daughter, Prefina Glodie Kwizera, following in my musical footsteps, led the event with a song. I, myself had the opportunity to play and sing for my guests, who thoroughly enjoyed the performances.
My dear mother, Elisabeth BIRIKO, tragically murdered in my homeland, like thousands of other Burundians who lost their lives during the liberation struggle, was the inspiration for the CNDD-FDD party anthem I composed. This anthem, which later inspired my book, was honored during a minute of silence observed in Norway. All the guests rose as the anthem rang out, performed beautifully by Elina Karpinska, a Latvian artist well-known in Stjørdal. This solemn moment, dedicated to my mother and to all Burundians who fell so that we might reap the peace we enjoy today, was the highlight of the event. It demonstrated the unsuspected power of love and forgiveness to heal a torn nation, thus honoring those who know how to love and forgive.
The ceremony concluded with the sale and signing of this book, now available in several Norwegian bookstores, including Elefantus, Norli, Bookis, and Ark Bokhandel, the largest and best-known in the country.
I first thank the Almighty for bringing me this far to worthily represent my beloved homeland, Burundi. My posthumous thanks then go to my late mother and to all the Burundians who fell in combat, to whom we owe the CNDD-FDD anthem and the book *The Sorrows of Exile, in the Service of My Nation*, which brought us together on this day of June 11, 2025. Thank you also to Rema Hell, Rema Husbyfaret, and Stjørdal Frivillig Senter for their support. I also express my gratitude to the Scandic Hell Hotel, where I worked for 13 years, represented by my former manager, Ms. Elizabeth Leirfall.
Finally, I sincerely thank Norway and its people for the warm welcome I have received since my arrival, thus celebrating this book written by a Burundian and translated into Norwegian—a new symbol of the friendship between my two chosen nations, Burundi and Norway.
May the Author of life protect us all, so that we may continue to contemplate the wonders of His creation. LONG LIVE TO LOVE! LONG LIVE TO FORGIVENESS!
I love you all and am very grateful to you all!
The author,
Félicien MINANI NSENGIYUMVA ( Femidejabat Burundi ).
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