The Definitive Constitution of the Kingdom of Burundi (French: Constitution Définitive du Royaume du Burundi; Kirundi: Ishimikiro ry’Ingoma y’i Burundi), sometimes called the “independence constitution”,[1] was the constitution of the independent Kingdom of Burundi from its promulgation in 1962 until its suspension in 1966.
. . . Constitution of the Kingdom of Burundi . . .
From 1919 to 1962 Burundi was governed as a mandatory territory by Belgium as part of Ruanda-Urundi. The Belgian administration exercised authority on the basis of decrees, regulations, and by-laws, but never produced a formal constitution.[2] A provisional constitution was promulgated in November 1961.[3] It was repealed on 30 June 1962, the day before independence.[4]
Following adoption by the National Assembly,[5] the constitution was promulgated on 16 October 1962 with retroactive application to 2 July.[6] The promulgation order was signed by Mwami Mwambutsa IV, Prime Minister André Muhirwa, and Minister of Justice Claver Nuwinkware.[5]
The constitution was largely based on the Belgian and French legal systems, both derived from the Napoleonic Code.[7] Some provisions were taken verbatim from the Belgian constitution of 1832.[8] It was written in French with an official translation offered in Kirundi.[3] It consisted of 123 articles. It established Burundi as a constitutional monarchy with eight provinces:[9] Bubanza, Bukirasazi, Bururi, Gitega, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, and Ruyigi.[10] Article 21 declared French and Kirundi as the country’s official languages.[11] Article 23 declared that all governmental power was derived from “the Nation”.[5] Article 113 declared “God, King, and Burundi” to be the national motto and article 114 designated Bujumbura as the capital. Article 18 stipulated that the constitution could not be suspended.[9]
. . . Constitution of the Kingdom of Burundi . . .