Burundi's new government sworn in

By Felix Tih

ANKARA (AA) - The newly appointed Burundian government was sworn in Tuesday by the head of state and the senate, local media reported.

President Evariste Ndayishimiye promised to combat corruption in public services and the COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in an address to the nation after the ceremony.

"Burundi will be managed by its sons and daughters with dignity. A country where all citizens can eat as much as they need, have financial independence to meet their needs," SOS Médias Burundi quoted the president. "Burundi is a nest for everyone. We call on all Burundian refugees to return to their country. It needs all of us.”

Vice President Bazombanza Prosper thanked the president for his confidence, in a tweet, and wished success to the government.

The Cabinet is made up of 15 members, including 11 men and four women. Among Ndayishimiye advisors are five who were reappointed.

Ndayishimiye, 52, was sworn in last week for a seven-year term that can be renewed once.

The ceremony followed a ruling by the Constitutional Court which upheld Ndayishimiye as winner of the May 20 presidential election.

The court also ordered the president-elect to take office immediately after death of President Pierre Nkurunziza earlier this month.