[2] Tutsi Pierre Buyoya first came to power in Burundi following a military coup in September 1987, when he deposed Jean-Baptiste Bagaza.

[3] Buyoya was president until the country's first democratic presidential election on 27 June 1993, which was won by Hutu Melchior Ndadaye.

On 21 October, Ndadaye was assassinated, sparking the Burundi Civil War between Hutu and Tutsi groups.

[5] He announced the suspension of the constitution, the dissolution of the National Assembly, and the banning of political parties, but declared that he would guarantee Ntibantunganya's safety.

He left the United States Embassy on 8 June 1997, saying, "I reaffirm that I shall not yield on the principle for a search for a negotiated solution for all problems that face our country.