Esther Kamatari
 |
The French language autobiography of Esther Kamatari |
HRH Princess Esther Kamatari (born
1951) is a
writer,
model, and exiled
Burundian princess.
Esther Kamatari grew up in
Burundi as a member of the
royal family. Following
independence in
1962, the king was overthrown in a
military coup d'etat, and the
monarchy abolished in
1966. Kamatari fled the country in
1964 after her father's
assassination and settled in
Paris, where she became a model. An attempt to re-establish the kingdom ended with the murder of
King Ntare V in
1972.
Burundi's post-independence history has been dominated by tensions between the
Hutu majority and the
Tutsi minority. The
civil war of the
1990s in Burundi and conflicts with neighbouring countries and the plight of thousands of child-victims of war led her to become involved with the
Association of the People of Burundi in
France. In Burundi she is known for her
humanitarian work.
A
peace brokered by
South Africa has made elections possible in Burundi, and Esther Kamatari and her
Abahuza party, which means "bringing people together," will run on the platform of restoration of the monarchy.
Esther is married to a man named Gilles. He is a doctor. They have two children: Jade and Arthur. From a precious relationship, Esther already had a daughter: Frédérique.
*Kamatari, E. and Renault, M. 2001.
Princesse des Rugo, mon histoire. Bayard, ISBN 2227139145
*
BBC News, Princess for President of Burundi*
Afrol News, Burundi Princess, top model seeks presidency*
Information about the Dutch translation of Esther Kamatari's autobiography*
List of African writers (by country)#Burundi
