Burundi’s ruling party has named its secretary general, Maj Gen Evariste Ndayishimiye, as its presidential candidate in elections in May, to succeed outgoing Pierre Nkurunziza. Maj Gen Ndayishimiye is seen as moderate, and is generally respected by the opposition and public, despite his long-standing relationship with Nkurunziza. Maj Gen Ndayishimiye has been the secretary general of the ruling CNDD-FDD party since 2016, making him the favorite to succeed Nkurunziza. According to local media Maj Gen Ndayishimiye joined what was then the CNDD rebel group, and fought alongside Nkurunziza. According to the BBC, Maj Gen Ndayishimiye was not implicated in atrocities committed during the crisis in 2015.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 27, 2020 15:11 UTC