Melchior Ndadaye, born in 1953, was the first democratically elected President of Burundi in June 1993. A member of the FRODEBU party, he embodied hope for lasting peace and inclusive democracy. Unfortunately, three months after his election, he was assassinated on 21 October 1993 during a military coup. The monument is actually the burial site of President Ndadaye and his close collaborators. A national commemorative day in his honor is celebrated every 21 October.