By AFP More by this AuthorBujumburaBurundi's newly elected president Evariste Ndayishimiye will be sworn in today (Thursday), following the sudden death of his predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza who left him an isolated nation in political and economic turmoil. Ndayishimiye was elected in May, in a vote disputed by the opposition, and was meant to take office in AugustBut his inauguration was speeded up after his predecessor Nkurunziza's sudden death. After the news of Nkurunziza's death, Ndayishimiye vowed to "continue his high-quality work that he has done for our country". The change in president also opens up the possibility of warmer ties with foreign donors, who cut Burundi off after the 2015 crisis. A source in the French presidency said the country would work with its European partners and "extend a hand to the new Burundian president".

Source: Daily Nation June 18, 2020 04:46 UTC