The Chinese sculpted Prince Louis Rwagasore’s bust that was described as a “sacrilege” by members of UPRONA, the party Rwagasore founded
Pedestals are being built in the municipality of Bujumbura for life-size statues of the heroes of independence and democracy, Prince Louis Rwagasore and President Melchior Ndadaye respectively.
The mayor of Bujumbura, Freddy Mbonimpa, says the statues will be erected to honour the heroes. He also says the statues to be put up at Chanic on the outskirts of the town on the road from Bujumbura international airport will serve as a tourist attraction.
The 8.5 m high statues will be made by China that has sponsored the project and the Chinese supervise the building of the pedestal, says Mbonimpa.
Bujumbura Mayor says that the city council will only supply water and electricity to the site.
Security guards did not allow journalists to take pictures as the Chinese in charge of the site under construction were not present.
The mayor says he does not know when the statues will be erected or unveiled.
In the past, Chinese sculptors had made busts of the two heroes that were lampooned as “unrecognizable” and “scandalous”.
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