Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli has declared three days of mourning following the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza.
In a statement by Presidential Director of Communication Gerson Msigwa on Friday said the mourning would start on Saturday June 13 to June 15. During this period, all flags will be hoisted as half-mast.
“Burundi is a member of the EAC and H.E President Pierre Nkurunziza loved the community. He also loved Tanzania and he partnered with us when he was needed. I have thus decided that we join our friends in Burundi in mourning and remembering President Nkurunziza, who viewed Tanzania as his home,” Magufuli said.
In his condolence message, President Magufuli said he’d remember Nkurunziza for his leadership and efforts to fight for peace, development and for allowing democracy.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Tanzania, I condole with the family and Burundians. May God rest his soul,” he tweeted.
This is despite the Burundian strongman ruling with and iron fist and forcing a third term in 2015. This resulted in a crisis that saw thousands displaced to neighbouring countries and an attempted coup.
In Kenya, President Uhuru Kenyatta has also ordered that flags fly at half-mast until the day Nkurunziza will ne interred.
