The new President of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, was elected on 20 May when the country entered the era of post-Nkurunziza. Ndayimishiye was initially to take over in August, but the Court ruled that the appointment should be made after Nkurunziza was killed. This event was held at the Ingoma state in Gitega, the country’s political capital. The venue was packed as the president gave his oath and accepted his official bureau instruments.
Ntare Rushtashi House, the presidency, has uploaded the event on its Webpage. Diplomats participated largely in the event, given the travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A father of six, Mr Ndayishimiye is a practising Roman Catholic who also supports his predecessor ‘s ideology of “emphasising on God” in politics. The new president takes over the political isolation of a country that has no strong donor ties. His predecessor was accused of heading a government that committed serious violations of human rights and repression of opposition, journalists and activists.
Quick facts about the new Burundian president Evariste Ndayishimiye
● He was born in 1968 in Gitega province, the current political capital of Burundi.
● The 52-year-old Evariste Ndayishimiye succeeds Pierre Nkurunziza who died on June 8.
● He was among top generals of the country since Nkurunziza took power in 2005.
● He is popularly known in Burundi as Neva – believed to be combination of his names – “N” for Ndayishimiye and “eva” for Evariste.
● Ndayishimiye was a law student when the civil war erupted in 1993
● Like Nkurunziza, he reportedly survived an assassination plot before fleeing into exile. He subsequently supported and closely worked with Nkurunziza during the Arusha peace talks between the government and the FDD rebels.
● Following the 2003 peace accord, Ndayishimiye deputised the then army chief of Burundi, at a time Nkurunziza took interior ministry.
● He served as minister of the interior under Nkurunziza before he was appointed to be the military advisor to the president.
● Politically, he has served as secretary-general of the ruling party (CNDD-FDD) until January 2020 when he was appointed flag bearer of the party.
Inputs from africanews