President Ndadaye’s Day
In Burundi, the 21st day of October is celebrated annually as President Ndadaye’s Day. This is a public holiday that marks the day when Melchoir Ndadaye, Burundian intellectual and President, was assassinated in 1993. He was known for trying to resolve some of the ethnic conflicts that existed in the country, but some felt that his actions provoked more tensions in the community than was necessary.
Burundi (Public holiday)Since this is a public holiday, many businesses close for the day, as do schools and non-essential government agencies. It’s also a non-working day for most people, which allows them to spend time with friends and family members.
The History Of President Ndadaye’s Day
On March 28th, 1953, Melchior Ndadaye was born in the Muramvya Province. During the 1972 Rwanda Massacre, he would flee to Burundi and become involved in the worker’s party in 1979. He would rise to become the main leader of the party.
In 1986, he founded the Front for Democracy (FRODEBU) in Burundi. During the 1993 elections, Ndadaye would become the President of Burundi — the first Hutu president of the country. On October 21st, 1993, he was assassinated and this event would lead to the decade-long Burundi Civil War.
Observing President Ndadaye’s Day
This holiday is a public holiday that’s a non-working day for many people. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of the first freely elected President of Burundi after many years of military rule. It’s also a day on which many people attend events with friends and family members. The hashtag #PresidentNdadayeDay can be used on social media to spread the word about this holiday.
Burundi (Public holiday)
