Michel Micombero

president of Burundi

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June 30, 2026

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Michel Micombero was a key figure in Burundi's post-independence history, serving as prime minister and later president during the First Republic. He was a Tutsi-Bahima from Bururi province. Micombero played a significant role in thwarting a 1965 coup attempt and organizing anti-Hutu riots. In July 1966, he was appointed prime minister, and by November of that year, following the deposition of the monarchy, Burundi was proclaimed the First Republic with Micombero as its president. This marked the end of Tutsi domination. However, his presidency was later overshadowed by the genocidal killings of Hutu in 1972 and he was eventually overthrown in 1976.12

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Burundi
The First and Second republics
…control was further strengthened when Michel Micombero was appointed prime minister in July 1966. A Tutsi-Bahima from Bururi province, Micombero had played a key role in thwarting the 1965 coup and in organizing anti-Hutu riots in the countryside. Also in July 1966, Mwambutsa was deposed by his son, who began…
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…control was further strengthened when Michel Micombero was appointed prime minister in July 1966. A Tutsi-Bahima from Bururi province, Micombero had played a key role in thwarting the 1965 coup and in organizing anti-Hutu riots in the countryside. Also in July 1966, Mwambutsa was deposed by his son, who began…
Read More