HISTORIC TIMELINE

1885Colonization by Germany

Burundi became part of the German colony of German East Africa.

1924Belgian Mandate

Burundi was mandated to Belgium by the League of Nations, forming part of Rwanda-Urundi.

1946UN Trust Territory

Burundi became a United Nations Trust Territory after World War II.

1962Independence from Belgium

Burundi gained independence, initially retaining its monarchy.

1966Coup d'état

A coup d'état replaced the monarchy with a one-party republic.

1972Genocide of Hutus

Burundi experienced a genocide of its Hutu population.

1993First Hutu President

Melchior Ndadaye became Burundi's first Hutu president after the first multi-party election.

1993Ndadaye's Assassination

The assassination of Ndadaye sparked the 12-year Burundian Civil War.

2000Arusha Agreement

The Arusha Agreement was adopted, marking progress towards peace.

2005New Constitution

A new constitution was largely based on the Arusha Agreement.

2014English as Official Language

English was made an official language of Burundi.