History of Burundi

Small landlocked nation Burundi is part of East Africa's Great Lakes. Its rich and complicated past goes back thousands of years.

Early History 

Believed to have moved from Central Africa about 7000 BC, the Twa people were the first recorded occupants of Burundi. Hunter-gatherers coexisted peacefully with the surroundings. Bantu-speaking tribes began to migrate into the area from all around Africa in about the sixteenth century. These tribes established little kingdoms run under a local chief or king after settling in different places.

Kingdom of Burundi (1680–1966) 

Estate to have been established by a group known as the Ganwa in 1680, the Kingdom of Burundi is among the strongest kingdoms that have developed in Burundi. Under a king referred to as the mwami, the kingdom had a highly centralized governance. Considered divine leaders, the mwamis were in charge of preserving justice and harmony inside the realm. Their great fortune came from also controlling trade channels.

European contact (1856) 

German adventurer Gustav Adolf von Götzen visited Burundi first among Europeans in 1856. Other explorers and missionaries attracted by the nation's natural riches and commerce possibilities trailed behind him. Eventually, this growing European interest resulted in colonization and later affected the history of the nation by means of foreign languages, religions, and governmental structures.

Belgian Colonial Rule (1916–1962) 

Germany colonized Burundi in 1899 together with Rwanda, a neighbor. But following World War One Burundi joined Belgium's African colony known as Ruanda-Urundi. Rapid socioeconomic developments and modernization brought about by Belgian control were coupled with exploitation and mistreatment of the indigenous people. Many Burundians were compelled to work on European-owned estates.

East Africa Burundi (1899–1916) 

Belgium lost sovereignty of Burundi to the British when World War I started in 1916. East Africa was then under German control; even following World War II, when Germany emerged victorious, it was reverted to Belgian rule. 

Genocide and Civil War (1972–2005) 

The 1972 civil war cost the lives of an estimated 300,000 people over more than three years, started by tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi parties. Ethnic divides started under colonial control, which drove the conflict mostly.

Belgian and United Nations governance (1916–1962) 

The United Nations assumed control of Belgium's colonial areas, including Burundi, following World War II. Burundi acquired its freedom and became a sovereign country in 1962 thanks in part to UN assistance.

Independent Burundi (1962-present)

After independence, Burundi faced many hardships such as unrest, political and ethnic conflicts, and economic hardship. The reason for all these problems that have been written in history was only violence and civil war. Through democratic elections and peace agreements, efforts towards healing and nation reconstruction have been directed recently. Burundi keeps working today towards stability and growth for its people.

1972 Genocide 

With the Tutsi-dominated government claiming to have killed an estimated 200,000 Hutu people, the 1972 genocide was among the deadliest incidents in Burundi's history. The episode seriously damaged the nation and altered its fast-developing social and political dynamics. 

Developments after the 1972 Genocide

Following the 1972 genocide, Burundi entered a period of political turbulence and persecution. Melchior Ndade, the first Hutu president elected in 1993, was killed barely four months into his term. This launched yet another era of civil war and ethnic carnage. Hutu and Tutsi leaders established a power-sharing administration when the warring groups signed a peace agreement in 2005. Since then, initiatives at national reconstruction and healing have ensued. 

1993 genocide and civil war (1993–2005)

Burundi experienced yet another bout of civil strife and bloodshed in 1993 following the death of President Ndadaye. Claimed to be killed were an estimated 300,000 Hutu majority and Tutsi minority fighting. 

After the war (2005–present) 

Since the peace agreement in 2005, Burundi has been able to keep somewhat consistent advancement towards national reconstruction. Still, political instability, financial restrictions, and abuses of human rights have presented difficulties. 

Post-war elections 

Burundi conducted many democratic elections following the end of the civil war. Though claims of political persecution and fraud have been made, these elections represent a major first towards a stable government and forwardment of democracy in the nation. 

Nkurunziza era (2005–2020) 

Pierre Nkurunziza watched over the nation as President in 2005. Along with times of development and upheaval, his leadership distinguished itself in charges of media control, political persecution, and violations of human rights. He stayed President until his death in 2020. 

Election 2010 

Burundi had its first multiparty presidential contest in almost twenty years in 2010. Allegations of vote fraud and demonstrations accompanied Nkurunziza's second-term re-election. 

The 2020 contests

Declared the winner following the tragic death of Nkurunziza, Evariste Ndayishimiye was triumphant in the most recent presidential campaign held in 2020. Still, this election has also been greeted with accusations of anomalies and criticism. 

2015 discontent 

Nkurunziza's 2015 proposal to seek a third term set up mass demonstrations and violence all throughout the nation. Hundreds of deaths followed as thousands of Burundians sought shelter in neighboring countries.

Post-2015 

Since the turmoil of 2015, Burundi has battled constantly with political stability and human rights issues. Though poverty and economic development still plague the country, efforts at reconciliation and support of democratic processes have been started.

Post-Nkurunziza (2020–present) 

Burundi has had a change of leadership to new president Evariste Ndayishimiye following the death of Nkurunziza in 2020. What developments and modifications under his direction are yet unknown.

Politics and government 

Burundi is a presidential republic running a multiparty system. Head of state and government, the President also oversees a parliament including the National Assembly and Senate. Political persecution, media control, and abuses of human rights during earlier elections have drawn criticism from the nation. How these problems will be handled under the fresh leadership is still to be seen.

Economy 

The economy of Burundi mostly depends on agriculture; coffee is the principal export. But the nation's economic growth has lagged behind that of other African nations given ongoing conflict and instability. Although political instability and corruption slow down economic development, initiatives aiming at motivating foreign investment and improving infrastructure have emerged recently. 

Military

The military of Burundi consists of the National Police and the National Defense Force (BNDF). Most famously in Somalia, the country's military has taken part in UN peacekeeping duties. Tensions inside the armed forces were shown in 2015 when military personnel tried a failed coup against Nkurunziza.

Culture 

Burundi's ethnic groupings and past shape the varied culture found there. Everyday living and celebrations revolve around traditional music, dance, and art. Reflecting its agricultural beginnings, the nation also boasts a range of traditional meals including beef stews and plantains. With most of the people in Burundi Christian, religion is quite important there.

Religion 

Although Christianity is the most often used religion in Burundi, Muslims also live there in considerable numbers. Promoting unity and reconciliation in the nation has benefited much from religious variety. But religious differences have also been used to promote conflict and bloodshed amid political unrest. 

Language 

Kirundi and French are two official languages of Burundi; Kirundi is the most widely used language. Different ethnic groups in the nation do, however, speak numerous more acknowledged languages. Providing decent education for its people presents difficulties for Burundi. Though more work is needed to guarantee equal educational opportunities for all, the nation has made headway in raising literacy rates.

Healthcare 

Burundi's healthcare system suffers further difficulties from insufficient resources and continuous conflict. Many remote communities lack infrastructure and poverty sometimes prevents access to medical treatment. Though more investment and assistance are required to solve the nation's health issues, efforts have been made towards enhancing healthcare services. 

Sports 

Football (soccer) is the most widely used sport in Burundi since the national team has had some success in international competitions. Other often-used sports are athletics, basketball, and volleyball. Sporting activities and athletics have also been used as a means of promoting peace and unity in the country since several initiatives aiming at uniting different ethnic groups through athletic events have been implemented.