Prince Louis Rwagasore Day is observed on October 13 each year. It is a national holiday observed in the east-central African nation of Burundi. The purpose of the holiday is to perpetually honor the life of the Burundian aristocrat and politician Louis Rwagasore. His tenure as Burundi’s second prime minister lasted a mere fortnight, until his assassination on October 13, 1961; thus, this date has been designated for annual observance. His upbringing was marked by the deliberate pursuit of independence through resistance against Belgium. He possessed exceptional diplomatic acumen and was particularly adept at fostering unity in Burundi.
The background of Prince Louis Rwagasore Day
Louis Rwagasore was born in Gitega, the capital of Burundi, on January 10, 1932. Therese Kanyonga and Mwami (meaning chief or monarch) Mwambusta IV are his parents. Rwagasore commenced his formal education at the age of seven, enrolling in Catholic institutions located in Gitega, Bukeye, and Kanyinya. A degree in political economy was bestowed upon him by the Catholic University of Leuven. He diligently pursued his academic goals and successfully completed his degree despite his precarious financial situation and humble upbringing. December 1956 saw his reappearance in Urundi.
He possessed a strong sense of leadership and a solid foundation in both politics and economics. In addition, he maintained solid relationships with individuals who assisted him in attaining independence for Africa. Through his acquaintance Julius Nyerere, he was able to establish and enhance his political project, correspond with Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, and meet Patrice Lumumba of the Congo. Despite the project’s failure, his notoriety increased beyond all previous levels.
In 1958, he capitalized on the situation by establishing the Union for National Progress and Unity Party (UPRONA), his political party. He advocated for national unity and fought and pressed for Burundi’s independence from Belgian colonial rule. Rwagasore successfully generated interest and pressure for UPRONA despite efforts by the Belgian government to dismantle the organization and thwart his efforts.
Rwagasore assumed the position of prime minister in 1961 after securing 80% of the valid ballots. However, sixteen days later, on October 13, 1961, he was murdered in a hotel restaurant. Complete independence was finally bestowed upon Burundi on July 1, 1962.
5 Prince RwagasORE Facts
Prince Louis was a member of the Tutsi people, the second most populous of the three major ethnic groups.
His eldest son is Mwami Mwambusta IV, the monarch.
He was murdered by Jean Kageorgis, a Greek national who had resided in Burundi for an extended period of time.
Due to their disapproval of UPRONA, the Belgian government placed Rwagasore under house detention.
Despite his Tutsi heritage, he entered into matrimony with a Hutu.
PRINCE LOUIS RWAGASORE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 13 | Friday |
| 2024 | October 13 | Sunday |
| 2025 | October 13 | Monday |
| 2026 | October 13 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | October 13 | Wednesday |
