Burundi: After an unsuccessful coup attempt a day before, the gunfire rings out in the capital of Burundi shattering what had been a relatively calm morning. Heavy fighting flared around state broadcasting headquarters, forcing government radio to halt transmissions just as President Pierre Nkurunziza was delivering a condemnation of yesterday’s attempted coup. When broadcasting resumed, he thanked troops loyal to him.
Deserted Streets of Burundi after Violence
But, there are still questions whether those forces are in full control of the country.
The fighting comes a day after Burundians took to the streets in celebration. They thought the president had been deposed. A rival general had announced he was in control, and that the government would not confirm the location of the president.
Activists say more than 20 people have been killed in weeks of protest that began when Nkurunziza announced he would seek a third term.
Critics say that violates the constitution and a peace deal that ended Burundi’s civil war.
However, a constitutional court ruled Nkurunziza could run again because he was appointed by parliament, rather than elected to his first term.
But now, after an unsuccessful coup attempt, there are fears that Burindi’ political instability could spiral into yet more violence.
Ventuno