Following the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza, President Paul Kagame sent a message of condolence to the Government and citizens of Burundi.
The death of Nkurunziza that occurred Monday was announced by government spokesman Prosper Ntahorwamiye on Tuesday, June 9.
He succumbed to a cardiac arrest from where he was admitted to Karusi Fiftieth Anniversary Hospital in central Burundi, where he had been hospitalized since 6 June, according to a statement.
President Kagame noted in his message posted on his verified Twitter handle that the Rwandan government is sending condolences to the people of Burundi including the first family.
“On behalf of Gov’t and my own behalf I sent our condolences to the Gov’t and People of Burundi for the passing of President Nkurunziza. This also goes to the family of the President,” Kagame noted.
On behalf of Gov't and my own behalf I sent our condolences to the Gov't and People of Burundi for the passing of President Nkurunziza. This also goes to the family of the President.
God Bless!— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) June 9, 2020
Following the news, beginning on Wednesday, the Burundian government announced seven-day national mourning for the fallen president.
Nkurunziza, age 55, has been leading the country since 2005.
He was set to step down after Maj . Gen. Evariste Ndayishimiye’s election on 20 May in August.
Ndahishimiye is from the CNDD / FDD political party, part of which was Nkurunziza.