20 Facts About Pierre Ngendandumwe

Pierre Ngendandumwe was a Burundian politician and statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Burundi in two terms, first from 1963 to 1964 and second for only eight days in January 1965.

On 18 June 1963, about a year after Burundi gained independence and amidst efforts to bring about political cooperation between Hutus and the dominant minority Tutsis, Ngendandumwe became Burundi's first Hutu prime minister.

Pierre Ngendandumwe served as prime minister until 6 April 1964 and then became prime minister again on 7 January 1965, serving until his death.

Pierre Ngendandumwe was born in 1930 in Ngozi Province, Burundi.

Pierre Ngendandumwe supported Prince Louis Rwagasore and was a member of his political party, the Union for National Progress.

Rwagasore ultimately became prime minister with Pierre Ngendandumwe serving as Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

Andre Muhirwa was named Prime Minister to replace him, while Pierre Ngendandumwe continued to serve as Vice Prime Minister.

Pierre Ngendandumwe signed an agreement with Spaak, guaranteeing Burundi internal autonomy in most matters until independence.

Pierre Ngendandumwe became Prime Minister of Burundi on 18 June 1963, the first Hutu to hold the office.

In early 1964 Pierre Ngendandumwe went on a regional tour, visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika to explore the possibility of Burundi joining the East African Common Services Organization and eventually a proposed East African Federation.

Pierre Ngendandumwe established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, upsetting the Mwami.

On 31 March 1964 the Mwami dismissed four controversial cabinet members and asked Pierre Ngendandumwe to create a new government.

On 7 January 1965, Mwambutsa called on Pierre Ngendandumwe to replace Nyamoya and form a new government.

Pierre Ngendandumwe's death was reportedly instantaneous, while one of his aides was wounded by a stray bullet.

Pierre Ngendandumwe's funeral was held three days later and he was succeeded in office by acting Prime Minister Pie Masumbuko.

Pierre Ngendandumwe was the second Burundian premier to have been assassinated.

Pierre Ngendandumwe's death created a political crisis, prompting Mwambutsa to dissolve Parliament and call for new elections.

The man accused of killing Pierre Ngendandumwe was Gonzalve Muyenzi, a Rwandan refugee who worked at the United States Embassy.

Pierre Ngendandumwe was buried in the Vugizo area of Bujumbura, next to the tomb of Rwagosore.

Pierre Ngendandumwe was officially declared a "national hero" like Rwagasore, but his status in Burundian collective memory never became as prominent as that of the prince.