The head of Burundi’s army said yesterday that an attempted coup had failed and forces loyal to President Pierre Nkurunziza were in control but heavy gunfire in the capital suggested the battle for power was not yet over.
Army Chief of Staff General Prime Niyongabo’s announcement came a day after another general said he had sacked Nkurunziza for seeking an unconstitutional third term in office, developments that have alarmed neighbouring governments.
Heavy gunfire was heard coming from the direction of the state broadcasting headquarters, a Reuters witness said. State radio and television both went off air. The state broadcaster is seen as a vital asset for both sides to reach the population.
It was difficult to determine who was now in control of the capital, with periods of relative calm broken by bouts of heavy gunfire. A Reuters witness saw one dead soldier lying near the Interior Ministry.
Nkurunziza sparked more than two weeks of protests by saying he would seek another five years in office.
There is no official confirmation of his whereabouts, but Tanzanian sources said he was at a secure location in Dar es Salaam.