This archive report was first published on 13 June 2020.
On June 9, 2020, Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza passed away at the age of 55 due to a cardiac arrest. In a show of solidarity, East African Community member states have decided to fly their flags at half-mast in his honor.
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta directed that the Kenyan flag and the East African Community flag be flown at half-mast from Saturday, June 13, 2020, until dawn. This directive applies to all public buildings, public grounds, and Kenya's diplomatic missions abroad.
President Kenyatta expressed his condolences to the people of Burundi and the family of President Nkurunziza, saying, 'May the late President Pierre Nkurunziza rest in eternal peace.'
In Rwanda, a communique signed by Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente stated that President Paul Kagame had directed that the Rwandan and East African Community flags be flown at half-mast from Saturday, June 13, 2020, until the day of President Nkurunziza's burial. The statement added, 'We continue to grieve with the People of Burundi and the family of His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza during this difficult time.'
Tanzania's President John Magufuli declared three days of mourning in Tanzania from Saturday to mourn President Nkurunziza. The Tanzanian national flag will fly at half-mast during this time.
