Burundi 1972 : problématique du devoir de mémoire et de la construction de la mémoire collective

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the issue of the duty to remember and the construction of collective memory, starting from the particular case of the 1972 crisis. It starts from the observation of a tragedy that still remains in the memories of Burundians, event that took away human lives and property, thus plunging the country into irreparable harm. Its main objective is to define the commemorative past and to build the collective memory starting from the particular case of the 1972 crisis. Our research shows that the interethnic conflict between the Hutu and the Tutsi dates back to the colonial period to reach its at the beginning of the first republic. the crisis which is the subject of our study finds its origin in the ethnic conflicts which opposed the Hutu elites and the Tutsi for the control of public power. The duty to remember the 1972 crisis calls on all Burundian citizens to use their will and their spiritual strength so that the recovery of this past brings lessons to future generations with the aim of finding lasting peace. The interest of our research is that Burundian society integrates the phenomenon of memory into its culture, treats memory as a social fact, converges its gaze towards unique memory and common commemoration for its social cohesion. Understanding this theme required us to conduct land surveys and semi-structured interviews with individuals who had information or who had experienced this crisis. We used the documentary review despite the fact that the crisis of 1972 has little documentation within the Burundian scientific community. With the qualitative method, we find that the Burundian population needs to cover the past so that it does not fall into oblivion and avoid repeated crises. Even if the CVR has already given a name to the events of 1972, this is not enough. The divergence of opinions remains perceptible in the speeches whether at the level of the authorities of the country at all levels or of the mass. It is important to imagine the purpose of a collective memory, its outcome will therefore depend on the conduct and involvement of the institutions of the Republic and what the population will bring to this subject. The conclusions of this research can contribute to reflection for the construction of collective memory and to the design of a commemorative object for a peaceful Burundian society. They gradually contribute to the struggle of ethnic ideologies which are the basis of conflicts and massacres in a people who have shared everything since our ancestors.