In September of 1987, Major Pierre Buyoya, who had previously served as a military officer in Burundi, orchestrated a coup d'état that resulted in the removal of President Jean-Baptiste Bagaza from power. The coup unfolded against a backdrop of ethnic strife and political turmoil that had plagued Burundi for years, particularly between the Hutu and Tutsi groups. Bagaza, a Tutsi himself, had come to power through a coup in 1976 and had ruled with an iron fist. His government faced increasing opposition due to its authoritarian tactics and efforts to suppress dissent.

The coup was characterized by a relatively swift military action, with Buyoya's troops moving quickly to secure key government facilities and communications systems. In the aftermath, Buyoya established a new interim government, promising national dialogue and reforms aimed at healing the ethnic divides. This included a pledge to address the issues that had long fueled conflicts in the region, such as economic disparity and political exclusion.

The transition of power initiated by Buyoya marked a significant pivot in Burundi's political landscape. It established a precedent for further military interventions in Burundi's governance, suggesting a cyclic pattern of military rule amid political instability. This coup not only altered the leadership but also revitalized debates surrounding ethnic identity and governance structures that remained pivotal in Burundian society for years to come.