Burundi Coup Bid: Rival Groups Vie For Control Of Capital

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Rival groups of soldiers in Burundi are vying for control of the capital, Bujumbura amid confusion over the success of an attempted coup. Fighting has been reported around the state TV and the Bujumbura airport. President Pierre Nkurunziza, who is reported to be in Tanzania, has appealed for calm saying the coup has been foiled. But the coup leaders insist they remain in charge. BBC reports:

The unrest began when Mr Nkurunziza announced he was seeking a third term. Opponents say the
bid contravenes the constitution. Mr Nkurunziza came to power in 2005.  The coup was announced by Maj Gen Godefroid Niyombare, a former intelligence chief and ally of the president, after Mr Nkurunziza left for regional talks in Tanzania on Wednesday.

“The masses vigorously and tenaciously reject President Nkurunziza’s third-term mandate. President Pierre Nkurunziza has been relieved of his duties. The government is overthrown,” he said in a radio broadcast. Thousands of people took to the streets to celebrate the announcement, marching on the centre of the capital, Bujumbura, alongside soldiers and two tanks.

But overnight, the army chief of staff – a supporter of the president – announced the coup “has been stopped” after talks with the defence minister, who backs the overthrow.