President Ntaryamira Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Appreciation Civic Historical
Where:: Burundi
Date change rule:: Every April 6
Holiday emoji:: 🇧🇮

President Ntaryamira Day is a solemn annual observance in Burundi on April 6. This federal holiday commemorates the tragic death of President Cyprien Ntaryamira in 1994, a pivotal event that preceded the Rwandan Genocide. Reflect on this somber anniversary and learn about Burundi’s history.

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Expected President Ntaryamira Day Deals

President Ntaryamira Day is a solemn federal holiday in Burundi, dedicated to remembrance rather than commercial activity. Instead of deals, the focus is on national mourning and historical reflection. Government offices, schools, and many businesses close to honor the anniversary of President Cyprien Ntaryamira’s death. Organizations involved in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and historical education may hold special events or campaigns. We will update this page with information on commemorative events as April 6 approaches.

Platform Guide for President Ntaryamira Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #PresidentNtaryamiraDay. Share insights on Burundian history or peacebuilding efforts.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PresidentNtaryamiraDay. Post reflections on national remembrance and its importance.

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Mention @NatlToday and use #PresidentNtaryamiraDay. Engage in discussions about historical memory and national healing.

President Ntaryamira Day Hero

Cyprien Ntaryamira

Cyprien Ntaryamira served as the President of Burundi for a brief period in 1994. A Hutu politician, he was elected following the assassination of the country's first democratically elected president. His tenure was tragically cut short when he died in a plane crash on April 6, 1994, alongside Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana. This event ignited the Rwandan Genocide and exacerbated ethnic tensions in the Great Lakes region, marking a dark chapter in the history of both nations.

History of President Ntaryamira Day

Born on March 6, 1955, in Burundi, Cyprien Ntaryamira was educated 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. FRODEBU is largely credited for the success of Burundi’s first truly democratic election which saw Melchior Ndadaye emerge as president. 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. Tutsi soldiers assassinated President Ndadaye (a Hutu) and other top officials after just three months in office. Following Ndadaye’s tragic demise, the Burundian Parliament elected Ntaryamira (also Hutu) to become president. Ntaryamira was inaugurated on February 5, 1994, and he worked towards restoring national unity, peace, and human rights.

President Ntaryamira was regarded as a “moderate reformer” and he seemed to enjoy popular support. Unfortunately, on the evening of April 6, 1994, the plane Ntaryamira flew in alongside Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana (also a Hutu) was shot down with missiles as the aircraft prepared to land at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda. All 12 people aboard the aircraft died, and the unfortunate demise of the two Hutu presidents kickstarted the horrible Rwandan genocide, one of the most calamitous events of the late 20th century. The identity of the perpetrators of the assassination remains unknown and many theories exist about who were the actual killers of both Hutu national leaders.

President Ntaryamira Day timeline

1955

A Leader is Born

Cyprien Ntaryamira is born in Burundi.

1986

A Party Leader

Ntaryamira co-founds the Front for Democracy in Burundi (FRODEBU).

1994

A Reformer and True National Leader

Ntaryamira is inaugurated as Burundi’s president on February 5.

1994

A Tragic Evening

Presidents Cyprien Ntaryamira and Juvénal Habyarimana (of Rwanda) are assassinated in Rwanda on April 6.

How Businesses Can Celebrate President Ntaryamira Day

Local businesses in Burundi observe President Ntaryamira Day as a federal holiday, typically closing their doors to allow for national remembrance. Those that remain open should do so with respect, perhaps by displaying messages of peace or solidarity. Businesses can also support local initiatives focused on historical education, reconciliation, or community healing, aligning with the solemn nature of the day. International businesses operating in Burundi should be mindful of the cultural significance and adhere to local customs and closures.

President Ntaryamira Day FAQs

When is President Ntaryamira Day?

President Ntaryamira Day will be observed on Tuesday, April 6, 2027, continuing the annual commemoration of a pivotal moment in Burundian history.

Who was President Cyprien Ntaryamira?

President Ntaryamira was a key figure in Burundi’s political landscape during a tumultuous period. His death on April 6, 1994, is a central part of the nation’s modern history, remembered for its impact on the Great Lakes region.

Is President Ntaryamira Day a public holiday in Burundi?

As a federal holiday, April 6, 2027, will see widespread closures across Burundi. The day is dedicated to commemorating the anniversary of President Ntaryamira’s death and reflecting on the nation’s past.

What was the significance of the 1994 plane crash?

The 1994 plane crash is a critical historical event that plunged the Great Lakes region into further instability. It’s remembered as the spark that ignited the Rwandan Genocide and profoundly impacted Burundi’s trajectory.

How to Observe President Ntaryamira Day

Listen to national broadcasts
On this solemn occasion, listen to the speeches given by top government officials. Honor the memories of the slain president and victims of the tragic national genocide.
Read history books
You can learn many lessons about the life and times of President Ntaryamira from history books. This national holiday offers a great opportunity to read about the reforms he led and the ideas he believed in.
Uphold national unity
As history has shown, crisis looms when national unity is threatened. On this solemn observance, look for ways to keep Burundi in unity and peace.

5 Interesting Facts About Burundi

The first Olympic gold medal
Vénuste Niyongabo secured the first position in the 5,000-meter race and Burundi won a gold medal for the first time in Olympic history in 1996.
Two capital cities
In 2019, Burundi’s Parliament decided to make Gitega, the country’s second-largest city, the political capital of the country while Bujumbura remains its economic capital.
Poor internet access
Only about 5.2% of Burundi’s population has access to the internet.
Home to a man-eating crocodile
Gustave, a man-eating crocodile responsible for killing hundreds of people, is believed to live in Lake Tanganyika.
Group jogging is outlawed
President Pierre Nkurunziza has made group jogging an illegal activity since 2014, supposedly because people could use it as a cover to plan anti-government rebellions.

Why President Ntaryamira Day is Important

A national day of remembrance
This public holiday remembers the unfortunate demise of a national leader. It’s a day dedicated to commemorating President Ntaryamira’s patriotism and national service.
Remembering the victims of the genocide
In Rwanda, more than 800,000 lives were lost in the wake of the assassination. This day also remembers and honors the memories of the helpless victims of the genocide.
A day to preach unity
The assassinations and the ensuing genocide were offshoots of animosity and tribalism. On this day, we can emphasize the need for peaceful coexistence and national unity.