Burundi Coup Bid: Groups Seek Bujumbura Control

Local Editor

Rival groups of soldiers in Burundi were vying for control of the capital Bujumbura amid confusion over the success of an attempted coup.

Further, there was heavy fighting at the state radio building, where broadcasts had now gone off air.

One source said soldiers loyal to President Pierre Nkurunziza controlled key areas, including the airport. Coup leaders insisted they remain in charge.

Nonetheless, the unrest began when Nkurunziza announced he was seeking a third term.

However, opponents said the bid contravenes the constitution.

Accordingly, there is no confirmation on the whereabouts of the president. Some reports say he is still in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, where he had travelled to attend a summit.
The 51-year-old president argued that he was entitled to a third term because he was first appointed to the role by parliament in 2005, rather than be elected.

Though, the constitution stated a president can only be elected to two terms in office, but earlier this month the country's constitutional court upheld Nkurunziza's interpretation.

More than 20 people had died and tens of thousands of Burundians had fled to neighboring states since the unrest began.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team