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Izibongo Ngonidzashe (28 April, 1921 - 21 February, 2019) was a politician and military official, serving as general, as the Chairman of the National Salvation Council after a 1964 coup that overthrew Pierre-Ardachir Niyonzima, and the first King of Rwizikuru, ascending the throne in June 1968, and reigning until his death in February 2019.
Born as the eldest son from a chiefly family in Vongai, his family moved to Port Fitzhubert in 1923. In 1939, he joined the colonial militia, and ended up attending the National Military Academy in Estmere, where he completed officer training in 1943. He would rise through the ranks as a soldier, becoming the Chief of Staff by 1961 as a result of Vudzijena Nhema's nativization policies. He would subequently lead the 1963 coup that overthrew the government while Nhema was attending an AESE conference, and installed the Vice-President, Pierre-Ardachir Niyonzima.
After Niyonzima refused to have Rwizikuru leave the United Bahian Republic, Izibongo Ngonidzashe overthrew Niyonzima, and set up the National Salvation Council, of which he was the chairman. After purging his rivals within the National Salvation Council, he became King in June 1968, and would reign until his death in February 2019.
He was the longest-serving ruler of Rwizikuru, ruling over Rwizikuru for 55 years, 1 month and 3 days, of which he reigned as King for 50 years, 8 months and 20 days.
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