Located in east central Africa, the Republic of Burundi has experienced much conflict in its brief history. Although it has been independent from European administration since 1962, Burundi has gone through several political upheavals. From 1966 to 1990, it existed as a republic under military rule. In 1993, it had its first free presidential election, which placed Melchoir Ndaday in the Presidential seat. His assassination four months later spurred violent uprisings between Burundi's two major ethnic groups, the Hutu and the Tutsi. Ndaday's successor likewise died under suspicious circumstances in 1994, resulting in more civil unrest in Burundi, as well as in Burundi's neighboring country of Rwanda. Burundi's civilian conflicts have been further strained by pressing social and economic problems, causing the leadership of this troubled country to appeal for help from its UN affiliates.
The Historical Dictionary of Burundi contains entries on the important national figures, political parties and military personnel who have steered this tiny nation through its troubled development, as well as information on Burundi's steadily strengthening economy and educational base. A chronology, bibliography, and detailed introduction will give the reader a perspective from which to continue study of the development of this nation.
The Historical Dictionary of Burundi contains entries on the important national figures, political parties and military personnel who have steered this tiny nation through its troubled development, as well as information on Burundi's steadily strengthening economy and educational base. A chronology, bibliography, and detailed introduction will give the reader a perspective from which to continue study of the development of this nation.
