Léopold Biha

Léopold Bihumugani (1919–2003), better known as Léopold Biha, was a Burundian politician who served as Prime Minister of Burundi from 13 September 1965 until 8 July 1966. An ethnic Ganwa born to a chief in Ruanda-Urundi, he became a close confidant of Mwami Mwambutsa IV in the 1940s after being given charge of a chiefdom which included some of the monarch's property. In the late 1950s he became involved in the Union for National Progress (UPRONA) party as the Belgian colonial administration prepared to grant Burundi its independence. Biha left the party after becoming disenchanted with leader Louis Rwagasore's populist style, and held different roles in transitional governments. He created a new party, Burundi Populaire, but failed to get elected to office and was appointed private secretary to the Mwami after independence.

Following a political crisis and a rise in ethnic tensions in 1965, Mwambutsa appointed Biha as Prime Minister. Hutu and Tutsi politicians were both dissatisfied by his selection, and Biha was seriously wounded in an October coup attempt. He spent several months convalescing in Belgium before returning to Burundi to resume his post in February 1966. He was removed from office during a coup launched by Mwambutsa's son, Crown Prince Charles Ndizeye, in July. He was arrested two months later and, after his release, avoided politics for decades. He co-founded a monarchist party in 2001 and died two years later.

Early life Léopold Bihumugani was born in 1919 to Burundian Chief Bagorikunda in Muramvya Province, Ruanda-Urundi. He also served as Vice President of the Conseil Supérieur du Pays (Supreme Land Council) from 1954 until its adjournment sine die in 1959. In November and December 1960 he attended UNESCO conferences in Paris. Though seriously wounded, he escaped. Loyalist troops eventually suppressed the coup. As a result of the attempt, the Mwami fled to Europe while Biha went to Belgium for several weeks to be treated for his injuries. The remnants of his government set about repressing the perpetrators of the coup and suspected collaborators. Mwambutsa soon thereafter suspended the powers of the Biha government before restoring them on 20 November. However, with the Mwami outside of the country and the prime minister incapable of discharging his duties, de facto governance fell to the army and the civil service.

Biha returned to Burundi in February 1966. On 15 March his government was reformed and Biha assumed the portfolio for Civil Service, Sûreté and Immigration. On 24 March Mwambutsa issued a decree giving Crown Prince Charles Ndizeye "special powers to co-ordinate and control the activities of the government and the secretariats of state". Biha joined a council created to advise Charles. On 8 July 1966 Charles launched a coup, saying he taking complete control of the government. He suspended the constitution and dismissed Biha, replacing him with Captain Michel Micombero the following day. Biha was arrested in August and held in Rumonge prison. After his release he avoided politics.

Later life In 2001 Biha co-founded the Parliamentary Monarchist Party (Parti Monarchiste Parlementaire, PMP). He died in 2003 and was buried on 1 March in Mpanda Cemetery in Bujumbura.