In 1987 Pierre Buyoya became President of Burundi following a coup. He initially ignored the country's ethnic strife and perpetuated Tutsi domination of public life. In August 1988 violence broke out and the army massacred thousands of Hutus.
In 1987, Pierre Buyoya became President of Burundi after a coup. He initially disregarded the country's ethnic tensions and maintained Tutsi dominance in public life. In August 1988, violence erupted, and the army carried out mass killings of Hutus.