Draft:Nyiginya Civil War

The Nyiginya Civil War was a civil war between vying factions of the ruling Nyiginya dynasty of the Kingdom of Rwanda. It occurred from 1796 to 1801, and ended with the accession of the newborn Yuhi IV Gahindiro to the throne.

Jan Vansina stated "The death of Ndabarasa in 1796 triggered a catastrophe: a succession war. Several of his most powerful sons were bent on seizing power despite the fact that he had designated Sentabyo as his successor. More than ten of the main lineages of the country played an active role in this struggle."

Mibambwe III Mutabazi II Sentabyo was supported by his brother Kimanuka alongside many figures in the Ega and Tsobe lineages that held great importance in the kingdom. The main faction in opposition to Sentabyo was led by Gatarabuhura and his mother, who was supported by another set of Ndabarasa's sons which included 1 army led by Ruzamba and 2 armies led by Rukari, Ndabarasa's favourite. A smaller faction was led by Gasenyi, and a fourth faction led by Semugaza remained neutral.

Sentabyo died of smallpox in 1801 with no known descendants. A coup d'état was staged by a chief named Nkebya and a son of Ndabarasa named Barinyonza. They placed a newborn baby, Gahindiro, on the throne. His mother Nyiratunga was a famous widow of Gihana, a son of Cyilima II Rujugira. She ruled as regent until he reached maturity. A decisive battle either in 1801 or 1802 saw the victory of Gahindiro's faction, and the execution of Gatarabuhara, who was the primary opponent of Sentabyo in the war.