Chairperson of the African Union (AU) and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday urged the people of Burundi to maintain calm and peace in their country following the passing of outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza, in the aftermath of the recently concluded election.

Nkurunziza passed away on Tuesday at the age of 55 following what was reported as cardiac arrest.

Ramaphosa expressed his condolences, saying Africa had lost a devoted leader.

Nkurunziza served Burundi as the second democratically elected President and the first President after the civil war.

He emphasised sound bilateral relations between South Africa and Burundi, under which South Africa played a key role in the AU-led Burundi Peace Process which led to the signing of the Arusha Peace Accords in 2000.

Ramaphosa also recalled a memorable State visit undertaken by Nkurunziza to South Africa in November 2014, which led to the signing of a number of bilateral agreements, including the Joint Commission of Cooperation, Cultural Cooperation and the decision to establish a Joint Business Council.

“Burundi and all of Africa have lost a leader who was devoted to people-centered sustainable development, self-reliance, the sovereignty of his people and country, as well as peace on the continent,” Ramaphosa said.