Burundi president
Late President Pierre Nkurunziza

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 neighbouring 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 months presidential election.