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Pierre Nkurunziza
Pierre Nkurunziza was the ninth president of Burundi known to be the longest-ruling president in Burundian history. He emerged as a prominent figure during the Burundian Civil War, leading the National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) from its rebel origins to political power. His presidency, the longest in Burundian history, focused on rebuilding the nation and enforcing the Arusha Accords, but also faced significant opposition and unrest, particularly during his controversial third term.
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PIERRA NKURUNZIZA
Pierre Nkurunziza was born on 18th December, 1964. He served as the ninth president of Burundi, holding office from August 2005 until his death in June 2020. A member of the Hutu ethnic group, Nkurunziza initially pursued a career in education before becoming deeply involved in the Burundian Civil War. He rose to prominence within the National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), a rebel group that later transitioned into a political party. Nkurunziza became the group's leader in 2000, and following the end of the civil war, he was elected as president.
Nkurunziza's presidency, the longest in Burundi's history, began with a focus on rebuilding the nation through inter-ethnic cooperation as outlined in the Arusha Accords. His administration saw the demobilization of the last Hutu rebel faction, Burundi's increased engagement with the African Union, and the cancellation of the country's public debt by international creditors. However, his tenure was marred by allegations of corruption, political repression, and human rights abuses, particularly during his controversial third term, which sparked violent unrest and led to Burundi's international isolation.
In 2020, Nkurunziza endorsed Évariste Ndayishimiye as his successor, signaling his intention to step down. Despite his planned exit from active politics, Nkurunziza's influence was expected to continue under his new title of "Supreme Guide of Patriotism." His sudden death in June 2020, reportedly from a heart attack, occurred shortly before the official end of his term, leaving a complex legacy in Burundian history.
GOVERNING TIME LINE
Pierre Nkurunziza became the president of Burundi on August 26, 2005, after leading the CNDD-FDD during the Civil War. His presidency lasted nearly 15 years and was marked by controversy, particularly around his third term bid in 2015. He announced he would not seek re-election in 2018, endorsing Évariste Ndayishimiye as his successor. Nkurunziza died on June 8, 2020, shortly before the official end of his term.