The moment of signing the book of condolences on Saturday, June 13, was an opportunity for the elected President of the Republic of Burundi, Major General Evariste Ndayishimiye, to unveil his preparations for the succession of Pierre Nkurunziza before his death.
“Pierre Nkurunziza had time to invite me to his house, with my wife, to bless our couple,” said Evariste Ndayishimiye at the Ntare Rushatsi Palace, in the presence of the leaders of his party, CNDD-FDD.
“In his prayer, he asked God to give us the strength he had given him,” said Evariste Ndayishimiye. “After he asked us to leave for the campaign, he told us that he did not know if we would see each other again,” revealed the elected president of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye.
“We had exchanged many times on the challenges of the country. There are no more secrets for me. He had had time to address all my concerns because we had held several working sessions together,” he said.
The Constitutional Court ruled on Pierre Nkurunziza’s succession on Friday 12 June, ordering that the president-elect be sworn in as soon as possible. Had it not been for Nkurunziza’s death, the handover ceremony would have taken place in August.
Pierre Nkurunziza’s death on 8 June was announced the following day. It was described as unexpected. A 7-day mourning period was decreed. It is due to expire on Monday 15 June. And the swearing in should follow to officially mark the inauguration of the new Burundian Head of State, Evariste Ndayishimiye.
Gérard Rugambwa
