Ndayishimiye Challenges Rwagasore’s Legacy, Questions Burundi’s Post-Independence Dependence

Bujumbura, August 4, 2026 - Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has sparked debate over the legacy of independence leader Prince Louis Rwagasore, criticizing what he described as Burundi’s continued dependence on Belgium after gaining independence.

Speaking to officials involved in preparations for Burundi’s 2027 presidential elections, Ndayishimiye argued that political independence did not immediately translate into economic self-reliance. He said Burundi remained dependent on Belgian assistance and financial support, describing the situation as one in which the country continued to operate under the influence of its former colonial power.

The president also questioned the meaning of a well-known statement attributed to Rwagasore, in which the independence leader told Belgians that they would come to know Burundians through their work and that their satisfaction would be Burundi’s pride. Ndayishimiye interpreted the statement as reflecting an approach in which Burundi sought continued support from Belgium while trying to build the newly independent country.

Ndayishimiye said he disagrees with the idea that Burundi should depend on foreign assistance to improve the livelihoods of its citizens. He maintained that he has never built his political career around asking others for help and argued that the country should instead strengthen its own capacity to finance development and improve living conditions.

His remarks have placed renewed attention on Rwagasore, one of Burundi’s central independence figures. Rwagasore served briefly as prime minister from September 28 to October 13, 1961, before he was assassinated. He is commemorated annually in Burundi as a national hero and remains closely associated with the country’s struggle for independence from Belgian colonial rule.