Burundi President Ndayishimiye refuses to recognize 1972-1973 Hutu genocide

Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has declined to sign a decree officially recognizing the genocide committed against the Hutu population during 1972-1973. Although the Burundian Parliament has recognized these events since 2024, the President stated that he deems it unnecessary to involve the United Nations.

Speaking at the Kiriri Palace during a conference titled “Healing the Wounds of History,” Ndayishimiye argued that only the Burundian Supreme Court has the authority to qualify such historical facts. This decision contrasts with previous efforts by the Burundian Parliament and diplomatic channels to bring the matter to the attention of the international community in New York.

The announcement was made in the presence of several high-ranking officials, including former President Sylvestre Ntibantunganya and Pierre-Claver Ndayicariye, president of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.