High tension as rival troops engage in heavy gun fight

onnaedo

May 14, 2015 11:03 AM

There were reports of gunfire and explosions heard near state radio and television overnight.

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Following the announcement of a coup in Burundi, rival soldiers have engaged in heavy gun fighting in Burundi's capital, Bujumbura.

BBC reports that gunfire and explosions were heard near state radio and television overnight.

Yesterday, Major General Godefroid Niyombare, a former intelligence chief and ally of the president, announced that President Pierre Nkurunziza's government had been overthrown after Nkurunziza left for regional talks in Tanzania.

The coup was as a result of Nkurunziza's quest for a 3rd term in office, after being in power since 2005. Nkurunziza's 3rd term quest led to weeks of protests in the country which has so far claimed 20 lives.

Following the announcement of the coup, thousands of people took to the streets to celebrate, marching on the centre of capital, Bujumbura, alongside soldiers and two tanks.

But overnight, army chief of staff Gen Prime Niyongabo, a supporter of the president,announced the coup "has been stopped" after talks with the defence minister, who backs the overthrow.

Corroborating this, President Nkurunziza tweeted that the situation was under control and "constitutional order has been safeguarded".

But this was contradicted by the coup leaders, one of whom said they were in control of "virtually the entire city" of Bujumbura.

Meanwhile, within the army itself, factions loyal to each side reportedly began fighting each other for control of the national television and radio station overnight.

According to BBC, there is currently a lot of tension in the country as people await further news from the only two private broadcasters still running - others have been subject of attacks and shut down.

onnaedo