By Spy Uganda
President Pierre Nkurunziza, who was the former head of state for Burundi, died on Tuesday afternoon, albeit under unclear circumstances.
Nkurunziza, who was due to be replaced by Evariste Ndayishimiye following the recently held presidential election, was announced dead by government officials, although he had not been reported ill prior to his death.
In a statement posted on Twitter on Tuesday, the government announced that; “with great sorrow to Burundians and the international community, we announce the passing on of H.E Pierre Nkurunziza, 55”.
The outgoing president is reported to have died at Karusi hospital after suffering a heart attack on June 8, the statement added.
Having been in power since 2005, Nkurunziza was due to be replaced in August by political ally Evariste Ndayishimiye, who was declared earlier this month the winner of a May 20 presidential election.
However, the government in Bujumbura, which is set to be headed by Ndayishimiye, did not divulge details about Nkurunziza’s death or what could have caused his demise.
According to the agreement he had signed with the newly elected president, Nkurunziza was supposed to receive full protection and immunity from the new government, plus a retirement home and monthly salary.
