Jean Bikomagu Explained

Jean Bikomagu
Nationality:Burundian
Death Date:August 15, 2015
Death Place:Bujumbura,
Resting Place:Bujumbura, Burundi

Jean Bikomagu (died August 15, 2015) was a Burundian colonel, military officer and former army chief. Bikomagu held the position of Army Chief of Staff during the Burundian Civil War (1993–2005).[1] [2] Burundi's army was dominated by ethnic Tutsis during the civil war.[1]

In 1992 Bikomagu served as the commander of the Cibitoke Army Camp.[3] President Melchior Ndadaye appointed him as Army Chief of Staff in 1993.[4] President Pierre Buyoya dismissed him on 21 August 1996.[5] Bikomagu was shot and killed by assailants on August 15, 2015, as he was arriving at his home in the Kinindo district of southern Bujumbura.[1] His daughter was seriously wounded in the attack.[2] His assassination, and other killings in Burundi, raised concerns that the at the time ongoing 2015 Burundian unrest could have been escalating.[1] [2]

Notes and References

  1. News: Ex-army chief killed as Burundi crisis 'spirals out of control' . . 2015-08-15 . 2015-08-24.
  2. News: Former army chief Bikomagu shot dead in Burundi capital . . 2015-08-15 . 2015-08-24.
  3. News: In Brief: Cibitoke, Burundi. Daily Graphic. 12872 . 2. 14 April 1992. Clegg. Sam.
  4. News: Watson. Catherine. Freed From Fear. Africa Report. 58–61. 38 . 5. September 1993.
  5. News: Burundi's New Leader Dismisses 3 Top Aides. The New York Times. Reuters. A11. 21 August 1996 .