Burundi

After serving less than 4 months in office, Burundi’s first democratically elected president, Melchoir Ndadaye, was assassinated. Some blamed people from the Tutsi tribe. Ndadaye - as well as the majority of the parliament - belonged to the Hutu tribe. This tension between the two ethnicities, resulted in an ethnic conflict which claimed about 300 000 lives.

In 1994 the parliament voted another Hutu, Mr. Ntaryamira, as president. Ntaryamira, together with the Rwandan president was shot down over Kigali. This sparked a never before seen a massacre in Rwanda, spilling over into Burundi where Tutsi’s started to kill refugee Hutu’s from Rwanda.

In 2001 most rebel groups agreed to a cease fire and, with the help of South Africa, Burundi had their first parliamentary elections four years later. The government then started the disarming of soldiers and former rebels.

Since then Burundi has become more stable. 

Since then, it appears as though Burundi has stabilized somewhat. However, recently, signs of dictatorship have become evident. President Nkurunziza has approved laws in 2013 which forbids reporting on matters that could undermine security, public order or the economy. In March 2014 several people supporting the opposition were jailed for life after attending an illegal demonstration.

In 2015 he entered his third term. Many argue, two years later, that Burundi is slowly moving into a dangerous era of political censorship. Although, other say that the consistency of Pres. Nkurunziza will bring prosperity to the land.

More Resources:

• African Prayer Initiative: Pray Africa