His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the African Union, has expressed his sadness at the untimely passing of Burundian President His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza.
President Ramaphosa has expressed his sincere condolences to the Government and people of Burundi at the loss of the leader who served Burundi as the second democratically elected President and the first President after the civil war.
President Ramaphosa said: "Burundi and all of Africa have lost a leader who was devoted to people-centered sustainable development, self-reliance, the sovereignty of his people and country, as well as peace on the Continent.
President Ramaphosa recalled the sound bilateral relations between South Africa and Burundi, under which South Africa played a key role in the AU-led Burundi Peace Process which led to the signing of the Arusha Peace Accords in 2000.
These covered among others, the following:
President Ramaphosa called on the people of Burundi to maintain calm and peace in their country following the passing of President Nkurunziza and in the aftermath of the recently concluded Presidential, Legislative and Municipal Elections.
