Rwanda’s Last King Dies At age 80

Kigeli V, the last king of Rwanda, is dead.

Details of his death were not immediately known.

He died early Sunday at the age of 80, according to his official website.

Kigeli V on exile

Kigeli V ruled the east African nation for less than a year before being forced into exile. He finally settled in the United States before his death.

Born Jean-Baptiste Ndahindurwa, King Kigeli came to power in 1959. He was later forced to leave the country the following year after clashing with the Belgian colonial power. In 1961, the monarchy was abolished.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that His Majesty King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, the last King of Rwanda, died early this morning,” read a statement on his website.

“He was a devout and dedicated believer and the last anointed African Roman Catholic king to reign over a full country.”

Funeral arrangements, and details on the heir to the throne will be announced at a later date, the statement said.