Mwambutsa IV Bangiriceng of Burundi

King Mwambutsa IV Bangiricenge (1912 – 26 April 1977), succeeded on the death of his father Mutaga IV Mbikije, 30 November 1915.

He was enthroned king of Burundi at Muramvya, 16 December 1915. He was given the title of Mwami, or King. He reigned under the Regency of Queen Ririkumutima , until he came of age. He was invested with full ruling powers, 28 August 1929. Like other Burundian kings, he was an ethnic Ganwa. During the early part of his reign, Burundi was transferred from Germany to Belgium following World War I. He was the king of Burundi when it was granted independence, 1 July 1962, and become an independent constitutional monarchy, which suffered much turmoil including the assassinations of at least three prime ministers. He had to continue switching prime ministers to stay in favor with both Hutus and Tutsis.