African leaders have sent messages of condolence to Burundians following the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza.

The Burundi government announced earlier on Tuesday that Nkurunziza had passed on from a heart attack, some 10 days after his wife Denise Bucumi Nkurunziza was admitted at a Nairobi hospital for COVID-9.

Nkurunziza was expected to hand over power in August following the election of a new president in the just concluded May elections, the first in which he did not vie. Evariste Ndayishimiye won the election.

Following the news of Nkurunziza’s death, various leaders condoled with Burundians.

"I would like to express my condolences on the sudden passing of President Pierre Nkurunziza Deepest sympathies to his family and the people of Burundi," Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wrote on Twitter.

"President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence and comfort to the People of the Republic of Burundi and the family of His Excellency President Pierre Nkurunziza who passed away today," the Kenyan presidency said, noting that Nkurunziza was "an outstanding regional counterpart who served his country with distinction as Head of State and Government, and worked tirelessly for the peace and stability of his country and the Great Lakes Region."

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo also shared his message of condolence with Burundians.

"I hereby extend my sincere condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Burundi. On behalf of the Citizens of the Federal Republic of Somalia and on my own behalf, we mourn the death of HE Pierre Nkurunziza. He was a great friend and ally of the Somalia," he said.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan also condoled with Burundians, wishing a peaceful transition in the country that had just come from a presidential election.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the Government and people of Burundi over the passing on of their President H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza who died suddenly on Tuesday," he said.

(With input from the agencies)