Burundi's constitutional court on Friday ruled that the country's newly elected leader Evariste Ndayishimiye be rapidly sworn in following the sudden death of President Pierre Nkurunziza earlier this week.

Nkurunziza's death on Monday, aged 55, came after the May election of his successor Ndayishimiye, who was meant to be inaugurated in August.

Nkurunziza, a devout evangelical who believed he was chosen by God to lead Burundi, leaves behind a deeply isolated country in political and economic turmoil after his divisive 15-year rule.

READ HERE | Nkurunziza: Burundi's leader who believed he was chosen by God

However some observers have said he may run into trouble with the generals if he tries to introduce reforms or improve the human rights situation in the country.

After the news of Nkurunziza's death Ndayishimiye vowed to "continue his high-quality work that he has done for our country".