Joseph Cimpaye

Who was Joseph Cimpaye?

Joseph Cimpaye was a Burundian, Hutu politician who for a short time led his country as it was gaining its independence from Belgium. He belonged to the political party known as UPP. He led the government from 26 January 1961 to 28 September in the same year. In the September elections Prince Louis Rwagasore, the son of King Mwambutsa IV, was elected. Cimpaye had been a Hutu whilst the newly elected Prince was a Tutsi. The Prince was assassinated on 13 October 1961 by a Greek gunman. Cimpaye was eventually executed by the government of Michel Micombero following a failed Hutu uprising.