Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Burundi Times
Published on 2024-04-06 14:15:06
April 6th marks the anniversary of the assassination of Burundi’s President Cyprien Ntaryamira, who tragically died in a plane crash in Rwanda. Just two months prior, he had been appointed by the country’s National Assembly on January 13, 1994. The plane crash, which also claimed the life of Rwanda’s President Juvenale Habyarimana, sparked ethnic division and ultimately led to a genocide in Rwanda.
In April 2022, Ntaryamira’s political party, Sahwanya-Frodebu, called for justice 28 years after his death. They expressed disappointment that no thorough investigations had been conducted to bring the perpetrators to justice and uncover the motive behind the assassination.
Ntaryamira’s wife, Sylvana Ntaryamira, shared her efforts to push for investigations into the plane crash near Kanombe airport. She reached out to the United Nations, but no substantial progress was made in uncovering the truth behind the tragedy.
During his swearing-in speech in February 1994, President Ntaryamira emphasized the importance of discipline and respect for human rights, regardless of ethnicity. He vowed to prioritize discipline in all aspects of the country, including the army, educational institutions, work, and governance.
Ntaryamira’s untimely death at the age of 39 left a significant void in Burundi’s leadership. Alongside President Habyarimana and two ministers, Bernard Ciza and Cyriaque Simbizi, he perished in the plane crash on April 6, 1994.
Despite the passage of time, justice remains elusive for Ntaryamira’s family and the people of Burundi. Sahwanya-Frodebu continues to advocate for accountability and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assassination.
As the anniversary of President Ntaryamira’s death is commemorated each year, the call for justice grows louder. The legacy of a leader who advocated for unity, respect, and discipline lives on, inspiring hope for a brighter future in Burundi.
Read the original article on Burundi Times
