BURUNDI Once known as Urundi, the Kingdom of Burundi emerged on the eastern foothills in the late 17th century. European explorers and missionaries that visited the region during the 19th century compared the kingdom to that of the old Greek Empire. In 1899, the region of Burundi was incorporated into German East Africa, until Germany's defeat in World War I - at which point control was handed over to Belgium . Under Belgium's ruling, Rwanda and Burundi were lumped together to form Ruanda-Urundi; however, both territories were able to keep their kingship dynasties. In 1959, Mwami Mwambutsa IV appealed to the Belgian Minister of Colonies to separate Burundi and Rwanda , and political parties began to form in an effort to push for independence. The country was successful and gained freedom from Europe in 1962. Following their newly independent status, a constitutional monarchy was es...
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