Burundi arrests generals after failed coup

At least three generals have been arrested in Burundi, following the failed coup d’etat to overthrow sitting president, Pierre Nkurunziza.

Nkurunziza was out of the country when the attempted coup took place, but he returned to Burundi on Thursday (a day after Godefroid Niyombareh, a top military officer declared he had taken over government) and said through his spokesman that three of the coup plotters had been arrested.

Gervais Abayeho, the president’s spokesman told Reuters that those arrested were a police general and two army generals, including Cyrille Ndayirukiye, former defence minister (pictured in red cap).

Abayeho added that Niyombare, the major-general in the Burundian army, who led the coup, was “still on the run” and his “whereabouts  unknown”.

Niyombareh had earlier announced to the nation via a radio broadcast that the government had been overthrown in protest of Nkurunziza’s third-term re-election bid.

On Wednesday, he said a national salvation committee had been set up to run the country forthwith.

“Regarding President Nkurunziza’s arrogance and defiance of the international community, which advised him to respect the constitution and Arusha peace agreement, the committee for the establishment of the national concord decides: President Nkurunziza is dismissed, his government is dismissed too,” he had said.

“The masses have decided to take into their own hands the destiny of the nation to remedy this unconstitutional environment into which Burundi has been plunged.

“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.”

Responding, one of the president’s aides dismissed the coup report, saying: “We consider it as a joke, not as a military coup.” Heavy fighting was witnessed across the country, particularly in Bujumbura, the capital, early Thursday, as forces loyal to Niyombareh fought with soldiers in support of Nkurunziza.

Prime Niyongabo, army chief of staff, told the BBC that the number of soldiers backing the coup had fallen.

“On Wednesday evening, we gave them the chance to rejoin the army to avoid a bloodbath. But they tried to attack the radio station today – the army repelled the attack,” he said.

“We are in control of all strategic points in the country. Burundi is a democratic nation. The army does not interfere in politics. We are obliged to follow the constitution.”

Since April 26 when Nkurunziza declared his intentions to run for an unconstitutional third term, there has been civil unrest in the country, resulting in the death of more than 20 people.

Tens of thousands are reported to have fled the country in the wake of the unrest.