Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza said he will step down when his term ends in 2020, a decision that has shocked many.
The decision however eases tensions in the Central African country which has witnessed violence in recent times because of him.
New Constitution
Burundi’s new constitution allows for changes to be made to presidential term limits. It was approved by voters in last month’s referendum.
The new constitution allows Nkurunziza to seek two more terms, beginning in 2020 in order to stay in power until 2034.
No re-election
But he told a ceremony on thursday that “My term is ending in 2020.”
“This constitution was not modified for Pierre Nkurunziza as the country’s enemies have been saying. It was amended for the good and better future of Burundi and the Burundian people,” he said.
His speech was broadcast on state television but his critics doubt his declaration.
Léonce Ngendakumana, the deputy chairman of the opposition FRODEBU group told Reuters that “I think he just want(s) to calm internal public opinion and the international community.”
President Pierre Nkurunziza has been in power since 2005 but his desire to extend his rule has sparked series of violence.
Source: Africafeeds.com
