In a surprise move, Burundian President, Pierre Nkurunziza said on Monday that he would step down in 2020, despite widespread belief that he backed a new constitution extending term limits in a bid to cling to power.

His announcement came shortly after he signed into law a new constitution, passed in a May referendum that in theory allows him to seek another two terms in office.

In a speech to his supporters and diplomats in the central city of Gitega, the 54-year-old Nkurunziza described himself as a guide of the ruling CNDD-FDD party.

Nkurunziza, whose decision to run for re-election in 2015 plunged Burundi into a deep and deadly political crisis said he would not seek re-election at the end of his current controversial third term.

According to human rights groups in the country, Nkurunziza’s third term has been characterized by growing authoritarianism, intimidation and abuse, forcing many political opponents to flee the country for safety.

The European Union said Nkurunziza’s announcement could ease the situation in Burundi as the president’s move was in line with the principle of democratic alternation as set out in the Arusha Accords and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.