The Speaker of Burundi's parliament Pascal Nyabenda is likely to take over as interim president following the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza, Reuters news agency reports.
A Twitter account run by Burundians who opposed Mr. Nkunzinza's rule has said the same, sharing articles of the constitution showing how a presidential vacuum is managed:
A top journalist from neighboring Uganda has also tweeted that Mr. Nyabenda will be sworn in as leader:
After 15 years in power, Mr. Nkurunziza was due to step down in August.
Evariste Ndayishimiye, his successor as leader of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, won last's month's presidential election.
UPDATE #Burundi — After the death of @pnkurunziza, Pascal Nyabenda, Speaker of the National Assembly becomes Interim President in accordance of article 121 of the 2005/2018 constitution . https://t.co/1dMEC8k5Rb pic.twitter.com/OV6r2aMTpI
— iBurundi (@iburundi) June 9, 2020
UPDATE: Burundi government will swear in Pascal Nyabenda, the speaker of the legislature, as interim President.
— Mujuni Raymond (@qataharraymond) June 9, 2020
"It's in the constitution" a source close to power says.
