Which African country made Gitega its political capital in 2019? Burundi made Gitega its political capital in 2019.
Gitega is located in central Burundi on the country’s elevated central plateau. It had historical importance as the seat of the Kingdom of Burundi and was the country’s royal capital until the monarchy was abolished in 1966. Under colonial rule and after independence, Bujumbura became the dominant political and economic centre.
Burundi announced the return of political-capital functions to Gitega in December 2018. Parliament formally approved the change on 16 January 2019, and government ministries were expected to move progressively over several years. Bujumbura remained the country’s commercial and economic hub.
The change is sometimes simplified as a complete replacement of Bujumbura, but the distinction matters: Gitega is the political capital, while Bujumbura continues to be Burundi’s largest city and principal business centre. Gitega is also home to Burundi’s National Museum and important royal drum traditions.