Prince Rwagasore (1932-1961). No’s 43-48

Prince Louis Rwagasore, the eldest son of King Mwambutsa IV and leader of the Union of National Progress (UPRONA) political party, was a radical intellectual Tutsi, educated in Belgium. He married a Hutu woman and became a symbol of national unity. When the UPRONA party won the election of 1961, before the country became independent, the prince was expected to lead the government. People hoped that he would return the country to stability. Unfortunately, he was assassinated shortly after the election. The victory of the UPRONA party in 1961 is also the occasion of a national holiday on September 18.

Philatelic material:

First Day Covers (FDC):

Note: Blanco or airmail envelopes are not shown here but do exist.