A “Supreme leader” dies – President Pierre Nkurunziza.
By Pamela Munyoro
Burundian president Pierre Nkurunziza died of heart attack at the age of 55, confirmed by the government after media speculations that he had contracted Covid-19 and was hospitalized for the virus.
Nkurunziza has led Burundi since 2005 till this June 2020. His final act as the president before his death on the 9th June was to lever his successor into power, Evariste Ndayishimiye.
He was a man of his word and anyone who would go against his philosophy definitely become ipso facto – an enemy of his.
Soccer players would be arrested for playing a fair match and if the opposition team wins against his team they would be arrested under charges of conspiracy against the president noticed when his team faced the northern town of Kiremba.
Nkurunziza plunged 75% of his subjects to poverty and had atrocities for accolades. This gives a vivid picture of the kind of a man he was, very cruel, violent and extremely wicked in his acts as the president.
Pierre continued to face criticism in his second term over his administration treatment of the media and the response to public dissent.
Amid to the ongoing violence within the country and criticism, it was not very conducive for elections to take part as Nkurunziza wanted to stand for a third term as he even faced international criticism and the polls were postponed.
Nkurunziza faced the daunting challenges of maintaining peace and stability in the war ravaged country. His third term mandate plunged the East African country into chaos, ongoing unrest and violence, opponents called it unconstitutional.
It is reported that his wife was taken to Nairobi, Kenya for Covid-19 treatment and survived with six children.
It had been intended that he would continue to remain prominent in public life as “Supreme Guide of Patriotism” as well as receiving a $500,000 payout from the state and a luxury villa.
Seven days of national mourning were announced.
Comments
About Author
