UN ‘extremely concerned’ as Burundi’s president appoints suspected rights abusers

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Burundi's outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza has died at the age of 55. The government says he died of a heart attack on Monday, but as people criticise the authorities' approach to and reporting of Covid-19 cases, rumours are already circulating that Nkurunziza was himself a victim of the disease. He had been due to step down from 15 years in power following last month's election of his hand-picked successor, Evariste Ndayishimiye. At least 1,200 people were killed and around 400,000 fled unrest sparked by Nkurunziza's controversial but ultimately successful 2015 bid for a third term.

In an attempt to fill the power vacuum after Pierre Nkurunziza's death, Burundi's top constitutional court has ruled that the president-elect should take power immediately. Also, the UN and NGOs such as Reporters Without Borders support the plight of imprisoned Cameroonian journalists, pressuring Paul Biya's government after authorities revealed that journalist Samuel Wazizi had died in custody. And we get reactions from Kinshasa over whether or not a statue of Belgium's colonial-era King Leopold II should be removed, following a similar debate in Belgium itself.

Evariste Ndayishimiye questions the need to oppose the government, as he ... Burundi's new President Evariste Ndayishimiye warns opposition parties ... up the plate of the national symbol during his swearing-in ceremony.https://codex.wordpress.org/Excerpt

Burundi's turnabout in handling the COVID-19 pandemic raised expectations of change in the country. But hopes were dampened by President Evariste Ndayishimiye's appointment of controversial figures to the government.

A human rights report voiced disappointment at Burundi's new leader, who took power in June. The report cites political appointees accused of human rights abuses and lawlessness among Evariste Ndayishimiye's supporters.

In our show "The New Normal", which examines the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond, FRANCE 24 brings you four reports from our correspondents around the globe.

Craftsman Kimiaki Kono was hoping the Tokyo Olympics would be a chance to win new fans for Japan's lute-like shamisen, but the pandemic has left things on a sour note.

As President Evariste Ndayishimiye marks one year in office, Burundi tries to move out of regional isolation. But human rights abuses and a repressive regime are still a cause for concern.

Bitter Portugal fans in Coimbra can't hide their disappointment after being knocked out of Euro 2020 by Belgium. "Portugal could have played better, but it's too late now," says one supporter, while another adds, "it's like we were scared... even though it's our team that everyone should fear."

France supporters in Bucharest express shock and disbelief after Switzerland defeated the world champions 5-4 on penalties in the last 16 of Euro 2020.

At least 38 inmates were killed and dozens more injured in a fire on Tuesday at the main prison in Burundi's capital Gitega, the country's vice president said. Twelve died of asphyxia as they tried to flee the burning buildings and 26 died of severe injuries, Vice President Prosper Bazombanza told reporters at the Gitega Prison after the fire. Video Credit: Sos Médias Burundi