Parliament speaker 'to take over' as Burundi president

The Speaker of Burundi's parliament Pascal Nyabenda is likely to take over as interim president following the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza, Reuters news agency reports.

A Twitter account run by Burundians who opposed Mr. Nkunzinza's rule has said the same, sharing articles of the constitution showing how a presidential vacuum is managed:

A top journalist from neighboring Uganda has also tweeted that Mr. Nyabenda will be sworn in as leader:

After 15 years in power, Mr. Nkurunziza was due to step down in August.

Evariste Ndayishimiye, his successor as leader of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, won last's month's presidential election.

UPDATE #Burundi — After the death of @pnkurunziza, Pascal Nyabenda, Speaker of the National Assembly becomes Interim President in accordance of article 121 of the 2005/2018 constitution . https://t.co/1dMEC8k5Rb pic.twitter.com/OV6r2aMTpI

— iBurundi (@iburundi) June 9, 2020

UPDATE: Burundi government will swear in Pascal Nyabenda, the speaker of the legislature, as interim President.

"It's in the constitution" a source close to power says.

— Mujuni Raymond (@qataharraymond) June 9, 2020