Shared Histories and the Legacy of the Nyaruteja Pact
Rwanda and Burundi are two neighboring nations that have long been connected by more than just geography. Their histories are deeply intertwined, with shared cultural roots, similar languages, and a common ancestry that dates back centuries. Before colonial borders were drawn, these two regions were part of a single administrative entity known as Rwanda-Urundi. The people of both countries belonged to the same clans, such as Banyiginya, Baha, Bega, Bacyaba, Bazigaba, and Babanda, and they shared nearly identical traditions, names, and ways of life. In essence, they were like one nation that had been divided into two kingdoms.
One of the most significant historical figures in this shared history is King Karemera, the first king of Burundi, who was a descendant of Rwandan king Ndoba, son of Ndahiro. Ndoba had 11 sons, including Mujiji, Mugunga, Mukobwa, Muturagara, Munyiga, Nyamuhanzi, Mupfumfu, Cyambwe, Biharage, Cyoba, and Neza. These princes gave rise to many influential families in Rwanda’s history, such as the Bakobwa, Baturagara, Bajiji, and Bagunga, as well as the Abatare family, which became the royal lineage of Burundi. The Abatare family traces its origins back to Karemera Ntare Rusatsi, the son of Sinzi, who was the son of Nyamuhanzi, and ultimately descended from Ndoba, the 11th King of Rwanda.
A Pact for Peace: The Nyaruteja Agreement
Throughout history, Rwanda and Burundi have experienced numerous conflicts. However, there have also been moments of reconciliation, one of the most notable being the non-aggression pact signed at Nyaruteja. This agreement was initiated by King Mutara I Semugeshi of Rwanda and King Mutaga II Nyamubi of Burundi, who recognized the need to end their ongoing hostilities through peaceful means. They met at Nyaruteja, a location now known as Ku Twicarabami twa Nyaruteja (the Kings’ seats of Nyaruteja), where they established a treaty of mutual non-aggression.
This historic event was immortalized in a song called “Kaze Rugamba,” which was sung to welcome King Mutaga, nicknamed “Rugamba.” Despite its significance, the man behind the pact—Gahenda, the Prime Minister of King Mutara I Semugeshi—has often been overlooked. According to Léon Delmas in his bookGénéalogies de la noblesse (les Batutsi) du Rwanda, Gahenda was the son of Burigande from Ngonga and played a crucial role in negotiating the agreement. He understood that the kings of Rwanda and Burundi were closely related and should not continue to fight each other.
Gahenda advised King Semugenshi to meet with his Burundian counterpart to discuss ending the conflicts. The king accepted the suggestion, and Gahenda was sent to Burundi to negotiate the deal. Upon hearing the proposal, King Mutaga II Nyamubi agreed to the terms. The two kings met at Nyaruteja, where they signed the pact, agreeing that if one kingdom was attacked, the other would not assist the aggressor.
The Challenges of Sustaining Peace
Despite the pact, it did not prevent future conflicts. Almost 100 years after the agreement, King Mutaga III Sebitungwa of Burundi violated the pact by joining a coalition against Rwanda. Similarly, almost 200 years later, King Ntare III Kivimira also launched attacks on Rwanda. However, the pact was renewed by King Kigeli IV Rwabugiri of Rwanda and King Mwezi IV Gisabo of Burundi, possibly around 1880. Both rulers were known for their resistance to German colonization and their refusal to allow missionaries into their kingdoms.
Today, the relationship between Rwanda and Burundi remains complex. While Rwanda has consistently sought peace with its neighbors, Burundian leaders have, at times, aligned themselves with groups like the Democratic Republic of Congo and the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. This raises the question: do we need another renewal of the Nyaruteja pact to remind current leaders of the importance of peace?
Lessons from the Past
The Nyaruteja pact serves as a powerful reminder of the value of reconciliation, peace, and respect between neighboring nations. It highlights the importance of understanding shared histories and working together to build a more stable future. As a historical marker, Nyaruteja should be preserved as a symbol of unity and a lesson for future generations. For peace to endure, it must be embraced not only by leaders but by the people of the nations involved.