Jonathan reacts to Burundi president’s death

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to the news of the demise of President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza.

Nkurunziza, 55, died of a heart attack on Monday, having been admitted to hospital on Saturday after complaining of feeling unwell.

He was due to step down from power in August, after 15 years in power.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the Government and people of Burundi over the passing on of their President H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza who died suddenly on Tuesday.

“May God Almighty comfort his family and the good people of Burundi as they mourn.

“May he grant the Republic of Burundi the grace of a peaceful transition that will further strengthen the hope and confidence of the people in democracy and its promise of a stable state,” Jonathan tweeted.

I extend my deepest condolences to the Government and people of Burundi over the passing on of their President H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza who died suddenly on Tuesday.
May God Almighty comfort his family and the good people of Burundi as they mourn. pic.twitter.com/uFMCQ3oCeG

— Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) June 9, 2020

The late Burundi strongman had announced he would run for a second term in 2015.

But the announcement plunged the nation into chaos as many questioned the legality and propriety of his third-term bid.

According to the BBC, there was a failed coup attempt, hundreds of people died in clashes and tens of thousands fled the country.