This Day in History: June 1, 1962
Additional Date: June 1, 1962
Burundi, a country located east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) gained its independence on 01 July 1962. Formerly part of German East Africa, Burundi gained its independence under the leadership of Mwami Mwambutsa IV, a Tutsi. In 1965, a Hutu rebellion broke out, leading to brutal Tutsi retaliations. Subsequently, Mwambutsa was deposed by his son, Ntaré V, in 1966. Less than a year after he toppled his father Ntaré was overthrown in a military coup by Premier Michel Micombero, also a Tutsi.