President Kagame condoles with Burundi over death of President Nkurunziza

President Paul Kagame has sent a message of condolence to the government and people of Burundi, following the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza.

President Nkurunziza succumbed to a cardiac arrest Monday evening, according to the statement from the Government of Burundi put out on Tuesday.

According to a statement signed by Prosper Ntahorwamiye, the government spokesperson, Nkurunziza died at Karusi Fiftieth Anniversary Hospital in central Burundi where he had been hospitalised since June 6.

Through his Twitter handle, President Kagame stated that the government of Rwanda sends condolences to the Burundian people 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

The Burundian government has announced a seven-day national mourning period for Nkurunziza, who had led the country since 2005.

Nkurunziza was set to be replaced by the president-elect Maj. Gen. Evariste Ndayishimiye who won the May 20 polls.

Like Nkurunziza, Gen Ndayishimiye is also a member of CNDD/FDD political party.