Friday June 12, 2020
MOGADISHU, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Thursday mourned the death of outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza early this week.
Francisco Madeira, the head of AMISOM, said Nkurunziza worked tirelessly with the African Union to bring peace and security to Somalia.
"On behalf of the mission, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the government, the people of Burundi and the bereaved family," Madeira said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.
"Like many leaders of the countries that contribute both human and material resources to the stabilization of Somalia, the late president believed in the ideals of a reconciled, secure and prosperous Somalia," he said.
The outgoing president Nkurunziza, 55, died on Monday of a heart attack.
Madeira said the involvement of Burundi peacekeepers in the stabilization of Somalia is a great example of dedication, sacrifice, progression and fortitude.
"The passing of President Nkurunziza is incredibly sad for all of us in AMISOM. The mission to achieve a peaceful Somalia will miss the late President Nkurunziza's guidance and leadership," said the AU envoy.