(Reuters/NAN)
The head of Burundi’s Army on Thursday said an attempted coup had failed and forces loyal to President Pierre Nkurunziza were in control.
The Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Prime Niyongabo’s announcement came a day after another General said he had sacked Nkurunziza for seeking an unconstitutional third term in office.
Report says gunfire could still be heard in the capital, Bujumbura.
The president, who was in Tanzania for an African leaders meeting on Wednesday when the attempt to topple him was announced, called on Burundians to “remain calm” in a message delivered via the presidential website.
There was no official confirmation about the precise location of the president, who sparked more than two weeks of protests by saying he would seek another five years in office.
However, two Tanzanian sources said he was still in Dar es Salaam.
“The coup attempt failed, loyal forces are still controlling all strategic points,’’ Niyongabo said in a statement broadcast on state radio.
However, Burundi’s civil war ended in 2005, the army was commanded by minority Tutsis, who fought against rebel groups of the majority Hutus, including one led by Nkurunziza.
The military has since been reformed to absorb rival factions, but fault lines in its ranks have remained.
Meanwhile, newsmen reported loud blasts in the city.
They said two private radio stations and a television station were attacked by unknown men in police uniforms.
A report said that the two stations were among those that carried Maj.-Gen. Godefroid Niyombare’s announcement on Wednesday that he had sacked Nkurunziza.
Burundi Army Chief Says Coup Attempt against President Nkurunziza Has Failed
