Rwagasore

prince of Burundi

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July 13, 2026

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Prince Rwagasore was a Tutsi prince and the eldest son of Burundi's King Mwambutsa. He led the ethnically mixed UPRONA party to victory in the 1961 legislative elections, becoming prime minister. Rwagasore championed the monarchy and populist ideals, advocating for Burundi's independence. His assassination on October 13, 1961, plunged the country into a crisis from which it has struggled to recover. Burundi gained independence on July 1, 1962.12

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Burundi
Burundi under colonial rule
The party leader was Prince Rwagasore, a Tutsi and the eldest son of Mwami Mwambutsa. Rwagasore represented populist aspirations and was the strongest supporter of the monarchy. He became prime minister and formed a new government. His assassination on October 13, 1961, ushered in a crisis from which the country…
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The party leader was Prince Rwagasore, a Tutsi and the eldest son of Mwami Mwambutsa. Rwagasore represented populist aspirations and was the strongest supporter of the monarchy. He became prime minister and formed a new government. His assassination on October 13, 1961, ushered in a crisis from which the country…
Read More