Ndayishimiye sworn in as Burundi’s President Days after Nkurunziza’s Death

Days after Pierre Nkurunziza succumbed to a heart attack, Maj Gen.(Rtd) Evariste Ndayishimiye took oath of office on June 18.

At an event held at Ingoma stadium in Gitega, the administrative capital.

Earlier scheduled for August, Ndayishimiye’s inauguration was approved for Thursday to fill a vaccum left by Nkurunziza.

Nkurunziza, who ruled Burundi for 15 years and was due to hand over to Ndayishimiye, died days after a volley ball match.

By the time of his death, his wife Denise Bucumi was receiving treatment for Covid19 in Nairobi.

This was the reason critics rejected the official government position on the cause of death of Nkurunziza, aged 55.

In May, while most countries in the region had instituted lockdown to stop the spread of Covid19, Nkurunziza led Burundi to an election in which Ndayishimiye emerged winner.

The incoming president, a former general and close ally of Nkurunziza, was the official flag bearer of the ruling CNDD-FDD party.

Court upheld Ndayishimiye’s election and threw out an opposition petition.

Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni cheered Ndayishimiye on his inauguration.

“Congratulations to His Excellency Maj Gen (Rtd) Evariste Ndayishimiye, who was sworn-in today as President of Burundi, following the massive victory of the CNDD-FDD party in elections held on May 20, 2020,” Museveni wrote.

He added that the “resounding victory was a clear manifestation of the level of trust and confidence the people of Burundi have in the new President and his party” and also saluted “the people of Burundi for being peaceful during and after the election.”

Museveni has pledged support and cooperation for Ndayishimiye’s government.

“On my own behalf and that of Ugandans, I wish you a successful tenure in office as well as the continued peace, progress and prosperity of Burundi. We also look to working closely with you to strengthen bilateral ties of our two countries.”