Explosions and gunfire have been reported in the capital of Burundi, a day after a senior army officer launched a coup attempt against president Pierre Nkurunziza while he was away for a summit in Tanzania.
There have been conflicting reports about who is in charge of the country with clashes reported earlier today.
Reports say there was an exchange of fire between rival groups with some saying that president Nkurunziza has ordered the arrest of the coup plotters.
The groups of soldiers in Burundi are said to be vying for control of the capital Bujumbura amid confusion over the success of an attempted coup.
The situation remains tense in Burundi. President Nkurunziza has called on the nation to remain calm in the face of the crisis.
Writing on Twitter Thursday the president, appealed for calm, saying that the situation is “under control.”The presidents whereabouts for now are unknown.
He had tried going back into Burundi but reports say he was unable and instead went back to Tanzania where the East African heads of state were holding a summit on the political crisis in the country.
While President Nkurunziza was away, former intelligence chief General Godefroid Niyombare used local radio stations to announce a coup. He said he would form a committee to “restore national harmony and unity.”
“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,” he said in a radio broadcast.
Armed forces chief General Prime Niyongabo said the coup has been stopped– but supporters of the coup are disputing that statement.
Chaos began in Burundi when the president announced he was seeking a third term.
His opponents say the bid is against the constitution. Mr Nkurunziza who is a former rebel came to power in 2005.
