President Ntaryamira Day 2024: President Ntaryamira Day is celebrated annually on April 6 in the Republic of Burundi. A solemn day commemorating the anniversary of President Cyprien Ntaryamira’s death in 1994. Parliament elected Ntaryamira as the next president of Burundi in early 1994, following the assassination of President Melchior Ndadaye, who was elected democratically for the first time in June 1993. Sadly, both President Ntaryamira and Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana perished in a plane crash in Rwanda on April 6, 1994. These events ushered in one of the darkest periods in African history, the Rwandan Genocide. On this day, government offices, schools, and businesses in Burundi are closed to observe the solemn anniversary.
HISTORY OF PRESIDENT NTARYAMIRA DAY
Cyprien Ntaryamira, who was born in Burundi on March 6, 1955, received training as an agricultural engineer. He co-founded the Front for Democracy in Burundi (FRODEBU) in 1986, and the political party won Burundi’s general elections in 1993. The success of Burundi’s first truly democratic election, in which Melchior Ndadaye was elected president, is largely attributed to FRODEBU. Ntaryamira was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture in July 1993. However, the ruling Tutsis felt threatened by the victory of the Hutus at the polls. After only three months in office, Tutsi soldiers assassinated President Ndadaye (a Hutu) and other top officials. Following Ndadaye’s tragic demise, the Burundian Parliament elected Ntaryamira (also Hutu) to become president. On February 5, 1994, Ntaryamira was inaugurated as president, and he worked to restore national unity, peace, and human rights.
President Ntaryamira was viewed as a “moderate reformer,” and he appeared to have the support of the populace. Unfortunately, on the evening of April 6, 1994, as Ntaryamira and Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana (also a Hutu) prepared to land at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda, the plane was shot down by missiles. The tragic deaths of the two Hutu presidents sparked the horrific Rwandan genocide, one of the most tragic events of the late 20th century. The identities of the assassins remain unknown, and there are numerous theories as to who actually murdered both Hutu national leaders.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE PRESIDENT NTARYAMIRA DAY
Receive national broadcasts
On this solemn occasion, listen to the remarks made by government officials of the highest rank. Remember the deceased president and the victims of the tragic national genocide.
Read historical texts
History books provide numerous insights into the life and times of President Ntaryamira. This national holiday provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the reforms he led and the beliefs he held.
Maintain national unity
As evidenced by past events, when national unity is threatened, a crisis looms. On this solemn occasion, seek ways to preserve Burundi’s unity and peace.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BURUNDI
The first Olympic gold medal ever awarded
In 1996, Burundi won its first gold medal in Olympic history when Vénuste Niyongabo finished first in the 5,000-meter race.
Two capital cities
The Burundi Parliament decided in 2019 to make Gitega, the country’s second-largest city, the country’s political capital, while Bujumbura remains the country’s economic capital.
Poor Internet connection
About 5.2% of the population of Burundi has internet access.
A habitat for man-eating crocodiles
Gustave, a man-eating crocodile responsible for hundreds of deaths, is thought to inhabit Lake Tanganyika.
Group jogging is illegal.
Since 2014, President Pierre Nkurunziza has made group jogging illegal, ostensibly because it could be used to plan anti-government rebellions.
WHY THE DAY OF PRESIDENT NTARYAMIRA IS IMPORTANT
A national commemorative day
This holiday commemorates the untimely demise of a national leader. It is a day dedicated to commemorating the patriotism and national service of President Ntaryamira.
Remembering the genocide’s victims
More than 800,000 lives were lost in Rwanda as a result of the assassination. This day also commemorates and honours the memory of the helpless genocide victims.
A day to promote harmony
The assassinations and subsequent genocide were the result of hatred and tribalism. This day allows us to emphasise the importance of peaceful coexistence and national unity.
PRESIDENT NTARYAMIRA DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 6 | Thursday |
| 2024 | April 6 | Saturday |
| 2025 | April 6 | Sunday |
| 2026 | April 6 | Monday |
| 2027 | April 6 | Tuesday |
