President Ndadaye’s Day
In Burundi, the 21st day of October is celebrated annually as President Ndadaye’s Day. This public holiday marks the day when Melchior Ndadaye, a Burundian intellectual and President, was assassinated in 1993. He was known for attempting 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 were 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 is 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 28, 1953, Melchior Ndadaye was born in the Muramvya Province. During the 1972 Rwanda Massacre, he fled to Burundi and became involved in the workers’ party in 1979. He rose to become the main leader of the party.
In 1986, he founded the Front for Democracy in Burundi (FRODEBU). During the 1993 elections, Ndadaye became the President of Burundi — the first Hutu president of the country. On October 21, 1993, he was assassinated, and this event led to the decade-long Burundi Civil War.
Observing President Ndadaye’s Day
This holiday is a public holiday that is a non-working day for many people. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of the first freely elected President of Burundi after many years of military rule. It is 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)
