Rwanda King to be buried in United States

Nov 20, 2016

His Majesty's body can then be returned to Rwanda at a future date," reads part of the statement.

The last king of Rwanda Jean-Baptiste Ndahindurwa, popularly known as King Kigeli V is to be buried in United States of America. The body of the king, who died about a month ago, has been in California as the family members had failed to agree on the burial arrangements.

In a statement released by his official website, an alternative burial site has been found that is both appropriate and a holy resting place for an anointed king who was deeply devout to the Roman Catholic faith.  "His Majesty's body can then be returned to Rwanda at a future date," reads part of the statement.

His website, http://king-kigeli.org also argues that:

"His Majesty's senior advisers are concerned that His Majesty's body would not be treated with respect and dignity once returned to Rwanda at this time.  Given that His Majesty's historic personal residence in Rwanda was allowed to be sold, demolished, and then made into a parking lot in 2013, little confidence exists that His Majesty's body would be treated as the former reigning head of state that he was".

His family members and relatives living in Rwanda held a meeting in Kigali on October 19 and agreed that funeral be held in Rwanda. However, those living in United States argued that the last monarch be laid to rest in America.

Kigeli's spokesperson recently Bonniface Benzige, while speaking to Voice of America, said he will not let the king be buried in Rwanda.

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