Evariste Ndayishimiye has been sworn as Burundi’s new president, taking the helm of a troubled nation after the sudden death of his predecessor.
In his oath on Thursday, Ndayishimiye pledged to “devote all my force to defending the superior interests of the nation and ensure the national unity and cohesion of the Burundian people, peace and social justice.”
No foreign heads of state were present at the colourful ceremony in Gitega.
The fast-tracked event comes after Pierre Nkurunziza died suddenly last week after suffering a cardiac arrest.
After 15 years in power, Mr Nkurunziza was due to step down in August.
Ex-rebel leader, Ndayishimiye was originally scheduled to be sworn into office in August, but the Constitutional Court ruled last week his swearing take place as soon as possible following the death of his predecessor.
The new president won by securing just over 68 percent of the vote in the May election and overcoming a bid by the opposition to get the results overturned because of alleged fraud.
Ndayishimiye, who was handpicked by the ruling CNDD-FDD party to succeed Nkurunziza, will serve a seven-year term, pending his reelection.
His immediate challenges includes leading his country’s effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
People attending his swearing-in were told to arrive early to allow time for their temperatures to be taken as a precaution.
So far, Burundi has confirmed just over 100 COVID-19 infections and one death.
