Thousands of Burundians in white gathered at Gitega's Ingoma stadium for the state funeral of former president Pierre Nkurunziza, who died of a heart attack on June 8, 2020. His remains were transported from Karusi province, where he had been hospitalized.
The late leader's coffin, draped in Burundi's national flag, was escorted to a monument site for burial. New president Evariste Ndayishimiye honored Nkurunziza's legacy during the ceremony, calling him a figure of 'bravery, patriotism, humility, and love of work.'
Ndayishimiye expressed sorrow over Nkurunziza's sudden passing, stating it was a 'hard blow to the Burundian people.' Nkurunziza's widow, Denise, thanked supporters for their comfort during 'hard trials' and acknowledged the new president's assistance to her family.
Regional dignitaries, including Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and former president Jakaya Kikwete, attended the funeral. Nkurunziza, born in 1964 in Ngozi province, rose from Hutu rebel leader to president through parliamentary election in 2005, later winning re-election in 2010 and 2015.
