African leaders have conveyed congratulatory messages to Burundi’s new President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, who officially took office on Thursday.
Ndayishimiye was sworn in to office in Bujunmbura in a ceremony attended by hundreds of Burundians.
The 52-year-old was initially scheduled to take oath of office in August, but had to do so much earlier die to the sudden death of his predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza.
Nkurunziza ruled the East African nation for three five-year terms, the last of which sparked conflict as the country’s opposition said it was unconstitutional.
Following Ndayishimiye’s assumption of office, various leaders have wished him well in his reign.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also the current African Union chairperson, said the organization was ready to work with the new leader “as he leads the people of Burundi to a better life.”
“The President reaffirmed solidarity of the African Union with the people of Burundi and expressed its willingness to work with the new President to enhance cooperation between the AU and Burundi in its legitimate quest for peace, security, stability, democracy and prosperity,” a statement from the South African presidency read.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni also conveyed his message, saying he looks forward to working with Ndayishimiye.
“On my own behalf and that of Ugandans, I wish His Excellency Ndayishimiye a successful tenure in office as well as the continued peace, progress and prosperity of Burundi. We also look to working closely with you to strengthen bilateral ties of our two countries,” he said.
On his part, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, Deprose Muchena, called on the new leader to improve Burundi’s human rights record.
“Evariste Ndayishimiye has a chance to improve Burundi’s appalling human rights record. A good place to start is to immediately and unconditionally release all those who have been convicted on trumped up charges simply for exercising their human rights,” he said.
