Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye sparked historical debate on July 31 in Gitega by reinterpreting a quote from national hero Prince Louis Rwagasore, suggesting it reflected a desire to work for the Belgians rather than for Burundians. Speaking at a political dialogue attended by about thirty political parties, provincial governors, and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Ceni) in anticipation of the 2027 presidential election, President Ndayishimiye noted security stability as a key achievement. The President's remarks, delivered in Gitega on July 31, focused on a critical re-examination of post-independence Burundian leadership and its historical relationship with the former colonial power.
President Ndayishimiye linked a constitutional provision stating "le territoire du Burundi appartient à tous les Burundais et ne peut être ni vendu ni divisé" to a period during a crisis when some allegedly "sold" the country or treated it as private property. He stated, "Aujourd’hui, je comprends l’origine de cette disposition. Pendant la crise, certains ont commencé à ’’vendre’’ le pays, tandis que d’autres l’ont considéré comme une propriété privée. Mais les personnes présentes ici sont des leaders capables de bien organiser le pays." The President attributed a "mauvaise habitude" (bad habit) to Burundians who, after independence, continued to behave like Belgian civil servants, managing Burundi as a Belgian province. "Après l’indépendance, les étrangers sont partis, mais certains Burundais ont continué à se comporter comme s’ils étaient toujours des fonctionnaires belges. Ils géraient le Burundi comme une des provinces de la Belgique. On était payé par la Belgique et la Belgique nous a aidés," President Ndayishimiye explained. He re-examined Prince Louis Rwagasore's pre-independence discourse, specifically the phrase "Vous nous jugerez à nos actes et votre satisfaction sera notre fierté," suggesting it reflected this mentality. President Ndayishimiye commented, "Pour ma part, lorsque Rwagasore disait : [Vous nous jugerez à nos actes et votre satisfaction sera notre fierté], je pensais qu’il s’adressait aux Burundais. Mais dire aux Belges : [Vous nous jugerez], cela signifie que c’est pour eux que tu travailles." This interpretation by President Ndayishimiye on July 31 in Gitega specifically translated the phrase as a desire to work for the Belgians. He further emphasized that this "bad habit" of behaving like Belgian civil servants was a significant issue for the newly independent nation, as it perpetuated a mindset of dependence rather than true sovereignty.
Rwagasore's Original Words and Vision
Prince Louis Rwagasore originally uttered the phrase, "Vous nous jugerez à nos actes et votre satisfaction sera notre fierté," following the Uprona party's victory in the 1961 legislative elections. His speech after the Uprona triumph on September 18, 1961, emphasized national unity, appealing to all Burundians irrespective of their political affiliation, declaring that "le Burundi a besoin de tous." Rwagasore characterized the electoral success not as a partisan win but as "pas celle d’un parti mais le triomphe de l’ordre, de la discipline, de la paix." This focus on unity and national triumph, rather than a party-specific victory, showed his vision for a cohesive and independent Burundi.
Rwagasore articulated a vision for a "Burundi paisible, heureux et prospère" (peaceful, happy, and prosperous Burundi), stating, "nous ouvrons nos bras à tous ceux qui veulent collaborer avec franchise et bonne foi. Nous sommes des hommes d’honneur, des hommes réfléchis et calmes, et nous voulons donner au peuple ce que nous lui avons promis." He also addressed the Belgian people directly, conveying gratitude and acknowledging their impending transfer of responsibility. "J’ai l’honneur d’adresser un message de gratitude, la responsabilité que, vous Belges, vous portiez, vous allez bientôt la transférer sur nos épaules et nous sommes conscients de nos devoirs," Rwagasore stated. This statement noted the gravity of the impending independence and the Burundian leaders' awareness of their new duties.
He further requested Belgian assistance for Burundi's future, appealing for continued generous support and guidance while upholding Burundian dignity and national interests. Rwagasore said, "Nous vous demandons de nous aider à entreprendre l’avenir avec confiance, de continuer à nous aider avec générosité, de nous guider dans le respect de notre dignité, de nos intérêts et de notre propre conception de l’intérêt national." Historian Évariste Ngayimpenda described Rwagasore's statement to the Belgians as a courteous method of indicating to the colonial authorities that "les Burundais étaient prêts à prendre en main leur destin." The phrase "Vous nous jugerez à nos actes et votre satisfaction sera notre fierté" was part of this broader discourse, intended to convey both readiness for self-governance and a pragmatic approach to post-colonial relations. This nuanced communication aimed to secure future cooperation while clearly asserting Burundian sovereignty and national interests.
Historical and Expert Rebuttals
Language sciences expert Gertrude Kazoviyo stated that Prince Louis Rwagasore's speech must be understood within its "doublement particulière" (doubly particular) historical context. Kazoviyo noted the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo's independence and Patrice Lumumba's assassination, noting that "Rwagasore assistait donc à ce dont les colonisateurs belges étaient capables comme violence," indicating the Belgian colonialists' capacity for violence. She further pointed out that independence was not yet proclaimed when the Uprona party won the elections, meaning the Belgian colonial administration still held power. This critical historical backdrop, according to Kazoviyo, shaped Rwagasore's diplomatic approach. Kazoviyo described Rwagasore as a "homme d’unité et de réconciliation" (man of unity and reconciliation), emphasizing his broader vision for Burundi. She asserted that "Rwagasore n’a jamais travaillé à la satisfaction des colonisateurs. Il les a combattus avec abnégation" (Rwagasore never worked for the satisfaction of the colonizers. He fought them with selflessness). Her analysis shows that Rwagasore's actions were consistently aimed at Burundian self-determination, not colonial appeasement.
Historian Christine Deslaurier similarly stated that Rwagasore's words must be placed in their historical, political, and economic context. Deslaurier believes that when Rwagasore addressed the Belgian people, it was to retain private Belgian investors after independence, not to "lécher les bottes" (lick the boots) of colonial authorities. She noted Rwagasore's awareness of the future Burundian state's economic fragility and the fear among Belgian investors of potential nationalizations. Deslaurier characterized Rwagasore's approach as a diplomatic and economic strategy intended to preserve partnerships useful for Burundi's development. She affirmed, "Il ne s’agit en aucun cas de s’aplatir et de quémander" (It is in no way about groveling and begging). This perspective notes Rwagasore's strategic foresight in navigating the complexities of post-colonial economic transition.
Historian Évariste Ngayimpenda stated that the cited extract from Rwagasore's speech is "déconnecté de l’ensemble du discours du princes Louis Rwagasore" (disconnected from Prince Louis Rwagasore's entire discourse) and ignores its specific context. Ngayimpenda argued that the interpretation of an "esprit de mendicité" (spirit of begging) is incorrect, emphasizing that Uprona, under Rwagasore's leadership, strongly advocated for immediate independence. He added that Rwagasore's statement to the Belgians was a courteous method of indicating that "les Burundais étaient prêts à prendre en main leur destin," demonstrating readiness rather than subservience. This perspective notes the strategic intent behind Rwagasore's communication with the outgoing colonial power, designed to assert Burundian capability while maintaining a respectful, diplomatic tone. Ngayimpenda further recalled that Rwagasore's core philosophy involved uniting Burundians through cooperatives to promote economic independence, a key reason the colonial power targeted him.
Political Figures' Counterarguments
Gaspard Kobako, president of the AND-Intadohoka party, rejected the presidential interpretation of Prince Louis Rwagasore's quote, asserting that Rwagasore could not have simultaneously advocated for immediate independence while accepting colonial dependence. Kobako insisted that the satisfaction Rwagasore sought was "essentiellement pour les Burundais" (essentially for Burundians), not for the Belgians. He argued that any external assistance should strengthen autonomy rather than foster dependence. Kobako referenced a phrase attributed to the Chinese Prime Minister at Bandung in 1955, stating, "Il faut que votre aide nous aide à faire seuls" (Your aid must help us do it alone), to show the importance of self-sufficiency in receiving aid. This principle, Kobako suggested, was central to Rwagasore's vision for Burundi's development.
Historian Évariste Ngayimpenda further recalled that Rwagasore's core philosophy involved uniting Burundians through cooperatives to promote economic independence. Ngayimpenda explained that this pursuit of economic self-reliance was a key reason the colonial power targeted Rwagasore. He suggested that the opposition Rwagasore faced was not merely political but concealed "une guerre économique" (an economic war), indicating a struggle over control of Burundi's economic future. This perspective notes the strategic intent behind Rwagasore's communication with the outgoing colonial power, aiming to protect Burundian interests rather than serve those of the colonizers. Ngayimpenda's analysis posits that Rwagasore's economic nationalism was a direct challenge to colonial interests, leading to significant resistance against his leadership.
Broader Context and Implications
Historian Évariste Ngayimpenda noted that Burundi, like Rwanda, had a non-viable economy, leading the UN to consider grouping them for economic viability. Ngayimpenda stated that true independence is measured by a country's capacity to feed its population, provide housing, education, maintain infrastructure, and ensure essential supplies. He lamented that Burundi proclaims independence more than it lives it, citing issues such as currency depreciation, scarcity of goods, and poor infrastructure. This assessment provides a stark contrast between the aspirations of independence and the enduring economic challenges faced by Burundi. The political dialogue in Gitega, where President Ndayishimiye made his controversial remarks, also delved into other critical issues beyond historical interpretations. Other topics discussed during the political dialogue included financial aid to Burundi, budget allocation favoring consumption over investment, and the system of "listes bloquées" (blocked lists). These discussions show the ongoing contemporary challenges facing Burundi's governance and economy, issues that resonate with the historical debates surrounding national sovereignty and economic independence. The President's reinterpretation of Rwagasore's words, therefore, takes place against a backdrop of complex and persistent national development concerns.