Burundi commemorates 65th anniversary of Prince Louis Rwagasore's assassination

Burundi marked the 65th anniversary of the assassination of independence hero Prince Louis Rwagasore on October 13. Ceremonies were held across the country, highlighted by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Prince's mausoleum in Vugizo by President Évariste Ndayishimiye.

The commemorations included a requiem mass at the Regina Mundi Cathedral, attended by high-ranking officials including the President of the National Assembly, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, and the President of the Senate. During the mass, Vicar General Mgr Anatole Ruberinyange delivered a homily focusing on spiritual purity and the responsibility to care for others.

Prince Rwagasore, the eldest son of King Mwambutsa IV, was appointed Prime Minister in September 1961 following a landslide victory by his party, the Union for National Progress (UPRONA). He was assassinated on October 13, 1961, at the Hotel Tanganyika in Bujumbura, just 15 days after taking office. His death occurred shortly before Burundi officially gained independence from Belgian colonial rule on July 1, 1962.