Burundi's government says President Pierre Nkurunziza's death was caused by a sudden and unexpected heart attack following a brief, unnamed illness.

But in death, as in life, Burundi’s leader is courting controversy.

Pierre's Nkurunziza wife was reported to have tested positive for coronavirus – a disease Mr Nkurunziza had appeared to downplay, holding an election in the midst of the outbreak, and even expelling World Health Organisation representatives from the country.

His 15 years in power in the tiny landlocked nation were marked by orchestrated political violence, a coup attempt, and a controversial third term.

Mr Nkurunziza had been preparing to step down as president, to become Burundi’s "supreme guide to patriotism".