Burundi urges United Nations to acknowledge 1972 genocide against Hutus

Edited by:  Reda El Ghazal

The government of Burundi has formally requested the United Nations to recognize the mass extermination of Hutus in 1972 and 1973 as a genocide, more than fifty years after the atrocities resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives. This appeal comes as part of efforts to bring closure to a painful and often overlooked chapter in the nation’s past.

Pierre Claver Ndayicariye, head of Burundi’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, highlighted during a recent briefing that the evidence compiled—comprising witness accounts, archival documentation, and investigative findings—is sufficient for the international community to grant formal acknowledgment. He emphasized the importance of presenting the case to the United Nations Security Council as a necessary step towards recognition.

The killings from that period, though frequently eclipsed by other regional conflicts, remain a significant source of tension and unresolved trauma within Burundi. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has dedicated years to uncovering mass graves and gathering proof of systematic violence targeting the Hutu population. Recognition, according to Ndayicariye, would not only validate the suffering of victims and survivors but also promote peace and stability throughout the Great Lakes region.

Burundi’s request aligns with wider regional initiatives aimed at addressing historical injustices and securing international validation of past human rights violations. Such recognition is viewed as an essential element in fostering reconciliation and supporting durable peace in the affected communities.