Professor Emeritus of Political Science

Edouard J. Bustin, age 92, passed away peacefully at home on October 11 following a brief hospital stay, attended by his family and dedicated caregivers.

Born in Belgium, Professor Bustin earned both his JD and PhD from the Université de Liège. He began his academic career teaching in the Democratic Republic of Congo, after which he relocated to California in 1961 to join the faculty at UCLA. In 1963, he joined the African Studies Center at Boston University, where he taught until retiring in 2010. Professor Bustin authored numerous books and articles focused on African studies. His academic journey took him to five European and twelve African countries, and he was fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, and German. He served as a visiting professor at institutions in the US, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, and consulted on higher education and democratization in Congo for the Rockefeller Foundation and USAID.

Professor Bustin was preceded in death by his first wife, Francine Lekeu Bustin (1933–1984). He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Denis and Ana Bustin, Olivier and Teresa Bustin; grandchildren, Richard, Chloe, Michael, and Tad; great-granddaughters, Lyla and Holly; and his former wife, Marisol Maura.

Visitation at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Wednesday October 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. The interment will be private.