A Guide to the United States’ History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Burundi

Summary

The United States recognized the Kingdom of Burundi on July 1, 1962, when the United Nations ended the Trusteeship over Ruanda-Urundi that had been administered by Belgium. President John F. Kennedy extended U.S. recognition upon Burundi’s formal independence in a letter sent on June 28, 1962, to His Majesty Mwami Mwambutsa IV.

Modern Flag of Burundi

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Burundi, 1962.

The United States recognized the Kingdom of Burundi on July 1, 1962, when the United Nations ended the Trusteeship over Ruanda-Urundi that had been administered by Belgium. President John F. Kennedy extended U.S. recognition upon Burundi’s formal independence in a letter sent on June 28, 1962, to His Majesty Mwami Mwambutsa IV.

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the American Embassy in Burundi, 1962.

Embassy Usumbura (Bujumbura) was established July 1, 1962, with Herbert V. Olds as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. The rank of the mission was changed to Legation effective December 15, 1962, and to Embassy again effective September 16, 1963.

Resources

  • CIA World Factbook: Burundi
  • Department of State Country Fact Sheet: Burundi
  • Department of State Country Information: Burundi
  • Langer, William L. An Encyclopedia of World History. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1968.