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Burundi

by Mark Sensen 15-NOV-1995

Meaning of stars and colors

Meaning of stars and colors

The three stars in the centre of the flag officially refer to the three words in the national motto 'Unité, Travail, Progrès' (French for 'Unity, Work, Progress'.)
The three stars are also said to represent the three ethnic groups who live in Burundi: the Hutu, Tutsi and the Twa. Burundi has a similar ethnic mix to Rwanda and has similar problems. The Twa are a pigmy race.
The red in the flag stands for the independence struggle, the green for hope and the white for peace.
The flag was adopted in 1967. From 1962, when Burundi achieved independence from Belgium, until 1966 the country flew a similar flag, but in the centre was a drum, called the Karyenda, a traditional emblem of the Mwami (king). There was also a sorghum plant, placed in front of the Karyenda. When the monarchy was overthrown in 1966, these symbols were abandoned.
Stuart Notholt 12-MAR-1996

According to W. Smith, civilians have the right to use this flag only on holidays. Otherwise the flag is used as a state flag and military flag on land. President of the Republic has right to use a flag on buildings.
Zeljko Heimer 13-MAR-1996

W. Smith also suggests this possibility of the Burundian flag being based on the old Sabena flag. But he also says that there is no proof of that.
We discussed the topic some time ago, and, IIRC, the old Sabena flag was per saltire in four colours - black, red, yellow and white, I think, but dont remember the order.
Zeljko Heimer 2-AUG-1996