Gitega | |
---|---|
Location in Burundi | |
Coordinates: 3°26′S 29°54′E / 3.433°S 29.900°E | |
Country | Burundi |
Province | Gitega Province |
Elevation | 1,504 m (4,934 ft) |
Population (2012) | |
• Total | 22,989 |
Gitega (formerly Kitega) is the second largest city in Burundi, lying east of Bujumbura.
It is the capital of Gitega Province, one of the 17 provinces of Burundi. It is the home of the Burundi's National Museum of Gitega and the Archdiocese of Gitega. Several karyenda royal drum sanctuaries are located in the area, as well as the ibwami (royal court).
On 29 April 1972, Ntare V of Burundi, the country's last Mwami (King), was killed in Gitega.
In March 2007, President of Burundi Pierre Nkurunziza announced that Burundi was planning to bring back its capital city to Gitega, saying that it is in a better location for a capital than Bujumbura.
Gitega is served by Gitega Airport.
Coordinates: 03°26′S 29°54′E / 3.433°S 29.900°E