Burundi's new President Evariste Ndayishimiye has declared the coronavirus the country's “biggest enemy”, in a major about-turn for a nation which has largely ignored the dangers of the virus, according to AFP.

Former president Pierre Nkurunziza, who died suddenly last month, and even Ndayishimiye himself, had until now downplayed the gravity of the pandemic.

“From [Wednesday], I declare the Covid-19 pandemic the biggest enemy of Burundians, because it is clear it is becoming their biggest concern,” Ndayishimiye said. “We firmly commit ourselves to fight this pandemic."