Burundi’s newly-elected president, Evariste Ndayishimiye is due to be sworn in today(18 june 2020) – two months earlier than planned.
The fast-tracked ceremony comes after his predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza died suddenly last week.
Mr. Ndayishimiye is a former rebel leader, like Mr Nkurunziza.
He was backed by his predecessor and was declared the winner of May’s presidential election, which the opposition said was rigged.
Mr Nkurunziza died aged 55 on 8 June after suffering a cardiac arrest, the government said though there are unconfirmed reports that he was suffering from Covid-19.
After 15 years in power, Mr Nkurunziza was due to step down in August. END