Coup in Burundi: Battle for Bujumbura rages

Rival groups of soldiers are fighting each other in Burundi’s capital, Bujunbura amid confusion over the success of an attempted coup against the president. Gunfire and explosions were heard near state radio and television overnight.

President Pierre Nkurunziza, who is reported to be in Tanzania, has appealed for calm and said the coup has been foiled. But the coup leaders insist they remain in charge.

The unrest began when Mr Nkurunziza announced he was seeking a third term.

Opponents say the bid contravenes the constitution. Mr Nkurunziza came to power in 2005.

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.

And 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.

“The soldiers who are being deployed are on our side,” coup spokesman Venon Ndabaneze also told the AFP news agency.

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

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