This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
Published on June 18, 2020, Burundi's newly-elected President Evariste Ndayishimiye has been sworn into office at the Ingoma stadium in Gitega, the capital city.
The swearing-in ceremony took place a week after the sudden death of outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza.
Ndayishimiye was originally scheduled to be sworn into office in August, but the Constitutional Court ruled that his swearing-in should take place as soon as possible following the death of his predecessor.
He secured just over 68% of the vote in the May election, overcoming a bid by the opposition to get the results overturned due to alleged fraud.
Ndayishimiye, who was handpicked by the ruling CNDD-FDD party to succeed Nkurunziza, will serve a seven-year term, pending his reelection.
His immediate challenges include leading his country's effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, with people attending his swearing-in told to arrive early to allow time for their temperatures to be taken as a precaution.
