"The government of the Republic of Burundi announced with great sadness ... the unexpected death of his Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, President of Burundi," the government said in a tweeted statement, adding he had died of a heart attack.
Last month Burundi elected a new leader, retired general Evariste Ndayishimiye, who was the flagbearer for the ruling CNDD-FDD party. Pierre Nkurunziza, who has faced accusations of political repression at home and abroad since coming to power in 2005, was due to stay in office until August when Ndayishimiye was supposed to take over and start a seven-year term.
Pierre Nkurunziza was the Chairman of the National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy, the ruling party until he was elected as President of Burundi.
