This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
On June 8, 2020, the world was shocked to learn of the death of Pierre Nkurunziza, the outgoing President of Burundi, who died of a heart attack at the age of 55 after 15 years in power.
As Burundi prepared to witness George Floyd's memorial service, Nkurunziza's passing was met with surprise, given that he was set to hand over power to his successor, General Evariste Ndayishimiye, just two months prior.
According to a law passed in his most recent term, Nkurunziza was entitled to a $530,000 parting gift and a luxury mansion, a testament to his 15-year tenure as President.
Despite his passing, Nkurunziza's legacy remains a topic of controversy, with many questioning his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the country's upcoming elections.
His insistence on holding elections in May 2020, despite declaring Burundi to be COVID-19 free, has been widely criticized, with many accusing him of prioritizing his own power and interests over the well-being of his citizens.
As Tanzania approaches its own general election later this year, the question remains: will the country learn from Burundi's mistakes and prioritize the health and safety of its citizens, or will it follow in Nkurunziza's footsteps?
