Gilt-edged black enamel cross pattée alisée, the space between the arms filled with a stippled gilt ground edged with gilt laurel leaves, on laterally-pierced loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a circular central gilt medallion bearing the full-face portrait of Crown Prince Louis Rwagasore; the reverse plain; slight age oxidisation marks; on replaced correct ribbon. The Order was created in 1962 by King Mwambutsa IV in five classes and a medal. Prince Louis Rwagasore (1932-1961) was son of King Mwambutsa IV and a leader of Burundi’s independence movement. He won a major victory in the elections of 1961 and became prime minister but was assassinated two weeks later. Burundi became independent eight months later and his father created the order in his memory. The monarchy was overthrown in 1966 and the Order became defunct. As a consequence, the order is rare in all classes.
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