History of Burundi in Timeline

Burundi is a landlocked East African nation situated in the Great Rift Valley, bordering Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With a population exceeding 14 million, it lies at the junction of the African Great Lakes region and Southeast Africa. Gitega serves as the political capital, while Bujumbura is the economic capital. Lake Tanganyika forms its southwestern border.

June 1916: Burundi and Rwanda Occupied

By 17 June 1916, Burundi and Rwanda were occupied by the Belgian army during the East African Campaign of the First World War.

October 1924: Ruanda-Urundi Becomes Belgian League of Nations Mandate Territory

On 20 October 1924, Ruanda-Urundi, which consisted of modern-day Rwanda and Burundi, became a Belgian League of Nations mandate territory, with Usumbura as its capital.

October 1943: Powers Split in Legislative Division

On 4 October 1943, powers were split in the legislative division of Burundi's government between chiefdoms and lower chiefdoms.

1948: Political Parties Allowed

In 1948, Belgium allowed the region of Burundi to form political parties.

1950: Population Estimate

In 1950, the population of Burundi was estimated to be 2,456,000.

January 1959: King Mwambutsa IV Requests Independence

On 20 January 1959, King Mwami Mwambutsa IV requested Burundi's independence from Belgium and dissolution of the Ruanda-Urundi union.

1959: Rwandan Tutsi Refugees Arrive in Burundi

As a result of the Rwandan Revolution, many Rwandan Tutsi refugees arrived in Burundi from 1959 to 1961.

1959: Creation of Provinces and Communes

In 1959, Burundi's provinces and communes were created on Christmas Day by a Belgian colonial decree, replacing the chieftain system.

September 1961: First Elections

Burundi's first elections took place on 8 September 1961 and UPRONA won just over 80% of the electorate's votes.

1961: Rwandan Tutsi Refugees Arrive in Burundi

As a result of the Rwandan Revolution, many Rwandan Tutsi refugees arrived in Burundi from 1959 to 1961.

July 1962: Independence from Belgium

Burundi gained its independence from Belgium, on 1 July 1962.

September 1962: Burundi Joins United Nations

On 18 September 1962 Burundi joined the United Nations.

1962: Conflicts

An estimated total of 250,000 people died in Burundi from the various conflicts between 1962 and 1993.

1962: Genocides since Independence

Since Burundi's independence in 1962, two genocides have taken place in the country: the 1972 mass killings of Hutus by the Tutsi-dominated army, and the mass killings of Tutsis in 1993 by the Hutu majority.

1962: Civil War and Medical Advancements

The civil war in 1962 put a stop to medical advancements in Burundi.

1963: Hutu Prime Minister Appointed

In 1963, King Mwambutsa appointed a Hutu prime minister, Pierre Ngendandumwe.

January 1965: Prime Minister Assassinated

On 15 January 1965, the Hutu prime minister, Pierre Ngendandumwe, was assassinated.

May 1965: Parliamentary Elections

Parliamentary elections in May 1965 brought a majority of Hutu into the parliament.

October 1965: Attempted Coup d'état

In October 1965, an attempted coup d'état led by the Hutu-dominated police was carried out but failed.

1965: Culture of Impunity Origins

Some analysts trace the origins of the "culture of impunity" to 1965 and 1972.

July 1966: Coup Deposes King

In July 1966, King Mwambutsa was deposed by a coup.

1966: Coup d'état

In 1966, a coup d'état replaced the monarchy with a one-party republic in Burundi.

April 1972: First Burundian Genocide Outbreak

In late April 1972, events led to the outbreak of the First Burundian Genocide, including a rebellion and the return and murder of King Ntare V.

1972: Genocide of Hutu population

In 1972, Burundi experienced a genocide of its Hutu population.

1972: Burundian Genocide

In a precursor to the 1972 Burundian Genocide, the Tutsi dominated army carried out reprisal attacks which claimed the lives of up to 5,000 people.

1972: Genocides since Independence

1972: Culture of Impunity Origins

Some analysts trace the origins of the "culture of impunity" to 1965 and 1972.

1976: Bagaza Coup

In 1976, Colonel Jean-Baptiste Bagaza led a bloodless coup to topple Micombero.

1981: New Constitution Drafted

In 1981, a new constitution was drafted, which maintained Burundi's status as a one-party state.

1982: Establishment of National Parks

In 1982, Kibira National Park and Ruvubu National Park were established in Burundi to conserve wildlife populations.

August 1984: Bagaza Elected Head of State

In August 1984, Bagaza was elected head of state.

1987: Buyoya Overthrows Bagaza

In 1987, Major Pierre Buyoya overthrew Bagaza, suspended the constitution and dissolved political parties.

August 1988: Killings of Tutsi Peasants

In August 1988, anti-Tutsi ethnic propaganda led to killings of Tutsi peasants in the northern communes of Ntega and Marangara.

1990: Forest Cover Statistics

In 1990, forest cover in Burundi was around 276,480 hectares.

March 1992: Multi-Party Constitution Established

On 13 March 1992, Tutsi coup leader Pierre Buyoya established a constitution that provided for a multi-party political process in Burundi.

1992: New Constitution Created

In 1992, the government created a new constitution that provided for a multi-party system, but a civil war broke out.

June 1993: First Democratic Election

In June 1993, Melchior Ndadaye won the first democratic election in Burundi and became the first Hutu head of state.

July 1993: Melchior Ndadaye Became President

In July 1993, Melchior Ndadaye became Burundi's first Hutu president following the country's first multi-party presidential election.

October 1993: Assassination of Ndadaye

In October 1993, President Ndadaye was assassinated amidst a failed military coup.

1993: Conflicts

An estimated total of 250,000 people died in Burundi from the various conflicts between 1962 and 1993.

1993: Start of Peace Talks

From 1993, regional leaders oversaw multiple rounds of peace talks to establish power-sharing agreements among contending groups in Burundi.

1993: Genocides since Independence

April 1994: Presidents Die in Plane Crash

In April 1994, President Cyprien Ntaryamira of Burundi and President Juvénal Habyarimana of Rwanda died together when their airplane was shot down.

October 1994: Sylvestre Ntibantunganya Appointed President

Speaker of Parliament, Sylvestre Ntibantunganya, was appointed as president in October 1994.

1995: Peace Talks Initiated

In 1995, African leaders began a series of peace talks between the warring factions in Burundi, following a request by the United Nations Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali for intervention. The talks were initiated under the leadership of Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere.

1996: Buyoya Takes Power

In 1996, Pierre Buyoya took power through a coup d'état.

June 1998: Constitution Amended

On 6 June 1998, Burundi's constitution was changed, broadening National Assembly's seats and making provisions for two vice-presidents.

1998: Buyoya Sworn in as President

In 1998, Pierre Buyoya was sworn in as president for his second term.

August 2000: Transitional Government Planned

On 28 August 2000, a transitional government for Burundi was planned as part of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, intended to be a trial for five years.

2000: Transitional Government Enacted

In 2000, Burundi enacted a transitional government because of the Arusha Accord.

2000: Arusha Agreement Adopted

In 2000, the Arusha Agreement was adopted.

2000: President signs treaty

In 2000, the Burundian President and 13 of the 19 warring Hutu and Tutsi factions signed a peace treaty, but disagreements persisted. Violence intensified due to hardliner groups refusing to sign.

2000: Separation of Bujumbura Province

In 2000, the province encompassing Bujumbura was separated into two provinces, Bujumbura Rural and Bujumbura Mairie.

2002: Report to United Nations

In 2002, the final report of the International Commission of Inquiry for Burundi was presented to the United Nations Security Council.

2003: Power-sharing agreements established

By 2003, multiple rounds of peace talks, overseen by regional leaders, gradually established power-sharing agreements to satisfy the majority of the contending groups in Burundi.

2003: Domitien Ndayizeye Elected President

In 2003, FRODEBU leader Domitien Ndayizeye, a Hutu, was elected president of Burundi.

June 2004: UN Takes Over Peacekeeping

In June 2004, the UN took over peacekeeping responsibilities in Burundi, signaling growing international support for the peace process.

2004: Composition of the Transitional National Assembly

As of 2004, the Transitional National Assembly consisted of 170 members, with the Front for Democracy in Burundi holding 38% of seats.

February 2005: New Constitution Approved

In February 2005, Burundi's new constitution was approved with over 90% of the popular vote.

June 2005: Last Hutu rebel group ends resistance

By June 2005, the last Hutu nationalist rebel group stopped its violent conflict, and its representatives were brought back into the political process.

August 2005: Elections Held

In August 2005, one of three separate elections was held at the local level for the Parliament and the presidency.

2005: Deforestation

As of 2005, Burundi was almost completely deforested.

2005: Pierre Nkurunziza Elected President

In 2005, Pierre Nkurunziza, a Hutu and former rebel leader, was elected president of Burundi.

2005: Constitution Formalized

In 2005, the Burundian Constitution formalized a complex power-sharing architecture, aiming to guarantee representation for the Tutsi minority without entrenching ethnic divisions.

2005: Eid al-Fitr Declared Public Holiday

In 2005, the Burundian government declared Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic holiday, to be a public holiday.

2005: Ethnic Quotas Formed for Government Positions

In early 2005, ethnic quotas were formed to determine positions in Burundi's government, and elections for parliament and president took place throughout the year.

2005: End of Burundian Civil War

The Burundian Civil War which began in 1993 ended in 2005.

2005: Funding Available to Each Researcher

The amount of funding available to each researcher in Burundi more than doubled from PPP$14,310 (constant 2005 values) to PPP$22,480 since 2012.

September 2006: Ceasefire Agreement with FLN

In September 2006, a Ceasefire was agreed between the government and the FLN (Forces for National Liberation), but the terms were not fully implemented.

2006: Reconstruction Efforts Started

After 2006, reconstruction efforts in Burundi began to take effect, with the UN shifting its focus from peacekeeping to reconstruction assistance.

2006: US Acceptance of Burundian Refugees

In 2006, the United States accepted approximately 10,000 Burundian refugees.

June 2007: First Direct Meeting

In June 2007 was the first direct meeting between President Nkurunziza and the FLN leader Agathon Rwasa.

September 2007: FLN Factions Clashed

In September 2007, rival FLN factions clashed in Burundi's capital, resulting in fatalities and displacement of residents.

2007: Burundi Joins East African Community

In 2007, Burundi, along with Rwanda, joined the East African Community as part of economic reconstruction efforts.

2007: Burundians' Poor Life Satisfaction

Since 2007, studies have indicated that Burundians have extremely poor levels of satisfaction with life.

2007: Amnesty International Report

The 2007 Amnesty International report highlighted areas needing improvement, including violence against civilians by the FLN, child soldier recruitment, high rates of violence against women, and impunity for perpetrators.

March 2008: FLN sought provisional immunity

In late March 2008, the FLN requested the parliament to pass a law granting them 'provisional immunity' from arrest for ordinary crimes.

April 2008: FLN Bombarded Bujumbura

On 17 April 2008, the FLN bombarded Bujumbura, leading to a response from the Burundian army and heavy losses for the FLN.

May 2008: New Ceasefire Signed

On 26 May 2008, a new ceasefire agreement was signed between the Burundian government and the FLN.

August 2008: President Nkurunziza Met with FLN Leader

In August 2008, President Nkurunziza met with the FLN leader Agathon Rwasa, mediated by South Africa's Minister for Safety and Security. They agreed to meet regularly to resolve disputes during peace negotiations.

2008: Government Peace Talks with NLF

As of 2008, the Burundian government was in talks with the Hutu-led Palipehutu-National Liberation Forces (NLF) to bring peace to the country.

2008: Attacks on Government-Protected Camps

In late 2007 and early 2008, FLN combatants attacked government-protected camps where former combatants were living.

April 2009: Criminalisation of Homosexuality

In April 2009, the government of Burundi criminalized homosexuality, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. Amnesty International condemned this action as a violation of human rights and the constitution.

2009: East African Community Membership and Debt Relief

In 2009, Burundi joined the East African Community and received $700 million in debt relief.

2010: Elementary School Opening in Rwoga

In 2010, a new elementary school was opened in the small village of Rwoga, funded by the pupils of Westwood High School, Quebec, Canada.

2011: Researcher Density

Between 2011 and 2018, the researcher density in Burundi grew from 40 to 55 researchers per million inhabitants.

2011: HIV and Tropical Diseases Research

Between 2011 and 2019, Burundi scientists produced seven articles on each of HIV and tropical communicable diseases.

2011: Medical Publication

Between 2011 and 2019, medical researchers accounted for 41% of scientific publications.

2011: Scientific Output

Burundi has almost tripled its scientific output since 2011.

2012: DHL Global Connectedness Index

According to a 2012 DHL Global Connectedness Index, Burundi is the least globalised of 140 surveyed countries.

2012: Participation in AU Peacekeeping Missions

As of 2012, Burundi was participating in African Union peacekeeping missions, including the mission to Somalia against Al-Shabaab militants.

2012: Publication Intensity

Between 2012 and 2019, Burundi's publication intensity in material sciences doubled from 0.6 to 1.2 articles per million inhabitants.

2012: Adult Literacy Rate

In 2012, the adult literacy rate in Burundi was estimated to be 74.71% for men and women between the ages of 15 and 24.

2012: Domestic Research Effort

Since 2012, the domestic research effort in Burundi has risen from 0.11% to 0.21% of GDP.

2013: Strategic Plan for Science, Technology, Research and Innovation

Burundi's Strategic Plan for Science, Technology, Research and Innovation (2013) covers food technology, medical sciences, energy, mining, and transportation, among other areas.

2013: Healthcare Spending

In 2013, Burundi spent 8% of their GDP on healthcare.

2013: NRI Ranking

In 2013, Burundi was ranked number 144 overall in the World Economic Forum's Network Readiness Index (NRI).

2013: Urban Population Percentage

In 2013, just 13% of Burundi's population lived in urban areas.

2013: Strategic Plan for Science

The Strategic Plan for Science, Technology, Research and Innovation (2013) focused on developing an institutional framework and infrastructure and fostering regional and international co-operation.

October 2014: EAC Secretariat Designation

In October 2014, the EAC Secretariat designated the National Institute of Public Health a centre of excellence.

2014: NRI Ranking

In 2014, Burundi was ranked number 147 overall in the World Economic Forum's Network Readiness Index (NRI).

2014: English Becomes Official Language

In 2014, English was made an official language of Burundi.

2014: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Established

In 2014, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established in Burundi, initially for four years.

2014: Average Farm Size

In 2014, the average farm size in Burundi was about one acre.

March 2015: Creation of Rumonge Province

On 26 March 2015, Rumonge, the newest province, was created from portions of Bujumbura Rural and Bururi.

April 2015: Protests Broke Out

In April 2015 protests broke out after the ruling party announced President Pierre Nkurunziza would seek a third term in office.

April 2015: Protests Over Nkurunziza's Third Term

In April 2015, protests erupted after the ruling party announced President Pierre Nkurunziza would seek a third term, sparking controversy over its constitutionality.

2015: Government Leadership

Following the 2015 election, Pierre Nkurunziza was the president of Burundi, Therence Sinunguruza was the first vice-president, and Gervais Rufyikiri was the second vice-president.

2015: Violence Cycle and Medical Care

In 2015, Burundi experienced a violent cycle, jeopardising the citizens' access to medical care.

2015: Sustainable Development Goals Adoption

The pace of scientific output in Burundi has not picked up since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015.

September 2016: UN Human Rights Council Established Commission of Inquiry

On 30 September 2016, the United Nations Human Rights Council established the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi through resolution 33/24 to investigate human rights violations since April 2015.

May 2017: Airlines Servicing Bujumbura International Airport

As of May 2017, Bujumbura International Airport was serviced by four airlines: Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and RwandAir.

September 2017: UN Accusations of Human Rights Violations

In September 2017, the UN accused Burundi of crimes and human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and sexual violence.

September 2017: Commission of Inquiry Called on Government to End Violations

On 29 September 2017, the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi called on the Burundian government to end serious human rights violations, noting the government's lack of cooperation with the commission.

October 2017: Burundi Leaves International Criminal Court

On 27 October 2017, Burundi officially left the International Criminal Court (ICC), becoming the first country in the world to do so.

November 2017: ICC Announces Prosecution of Past Human Rights Violations

On 9 November 2017, the ICC announced that human rights violations committed while Burundi was a member would still be prosecuted.

2017: Foreign Co-authorship

Between 2017 and 2019, some 97.5% of publications in Burundi involved foreign co-authorship.

2017: Agriculture's Contribution to GDP

In 2017, agriculture accounted for 50% of Burundi's GDP and employed more than 90% of the population.

May 2018: Constitutional Referendum

In a constitutional referendum in May 2018, Burundians voted to approve an amended constitution that allowed Nkurunziza to remain in power until 2034.

2018: Researcher Density

Between 2011 and 2018, the researcher density in Burundi grew from 40 to 55 researchers per million inhabitants.

2018: Medical Researchers

In 2018, medical researchers accounted for 4% of Burundi's scientists.

2018: Extension of Truth and Reconciliation Commission

In 2018, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's mandate was extended for another four years.

2018: World Happiness Report

The 2018 World Happiness Report ranked Burundi as the world's least happy with a rank of 156.

2019: HIV and Tropical Diseases Research

Between 2011 and 2019, Burundi scientists produced seven articles on each of HIV and tropical communicable diseases.

2019: Medical Publication

Between 2011 and 2019, medical researchers accounted for 41% of scientific publications.

2019: Publication Intensity

Between 2012 and 2019, Burundi's publication intensity in material sciences doubled from 0.6 to 1.2 articles per million inhabitants.

2019: Foreign Co-authorship

Between 2017 and 2019, some 97.5% of publications in Burundi involved foreign co-authorship.

2019: Rural Society

In 2019, Burundi remained primarily a rural society, with just 13.4% of the population living in urban areas.

May 2020: Evariste Ndayishimiye Wins Election

On 20 May 2020, Evariste Ndayishimiye won the election with 71.45% of the vote.

June 2020: President Nkurunziza Dies

On 9 June 2020, President Nkurunziza died of a cardiac arrest. Pascal Nyabenda led the government until Ndayishimiye's inauguration on 18 June 2020.

2020: Forest Cover Statistics

In 2020, forest cover in Burundi was around 11% of the total land area, equivalent to 279,640 hectares.

2020: New President Elected

President Nkurunziza paved the way for a new president to be elected in the 2020 general election.

October 2021: United Nations Population Estimate

As of October 2021, the United Nations estimated Burundi's population to be 12,346,893.

December 2021: Prison Fire in Gitega

In December 2021, a large prison fire in the capital city of Gitega resulted in numerous fatalities.

July 2022: Government Announces Territorial Subdivision Overhaul

In July 2022, the government of Burundi announced a major overhaul of the country's territorial subdivisions, proposing to reduce the number of provinces from 18 to 5 and communes from 119 to 42.

November 2022: Economic Growth Increased

In November 2022, despite challenges, Burundi's economic growth increased slightly to 3 percent, according to an assessment by the International Monetary Fund.

2022: Education Investment

As of 2022, Burundi invested the equivalent of 5% of its GDP in education.

2024: Global Innovation Index Ranking

In 2024, Burundi was ranked 127th in the Global Innovation Index.

January 2025: Fall of Goma

In January 2025, the fall of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo raised concerns about a larger regional war due to the presence of troops from Rwanda and Burundi in the Kivu provinces.