Mwambutsa IV Bangiriceng of Burundi

Who was Mwambutsa IV Bangiriceng of Burundi?

King Mwambutsa IV Bangiricenge, succeeded on the death of his father Mutaga IV Mbikije, 30 November 1915. He was enthroned king of Burundi at Muramvya, December 16, 1915.He was given the title of Mwami, or King. He reigned under the Regency of Queen Ririkumutima, until he came of age. He was invested with full ruling powers, 28 August 1929. Like other Burundian kings, he was an ethnic Ganwa. During the early part of his reign, Burundi was transferred from Germany to Belgium following World War I. He was the king of Burundi when it was granted independence, 1 July 1962, and become an independent constitutional monarchy, which suffered much turmoil including the assassinations of at least three prime ministers. He had to continue switching prime ministers to stay in favor of both Hutus and Tutsis.

In March 1966, he appointed his only surviving son as Regent, and entrusted him with full executive powers. Thereafter lived abroad, mostly in Switzerland. He was deposed by Micombero in favor of his son Ntare V, 8 July 1966. He spent the rest of his life in Switzerland until he died in 1977.