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                         Burundi General Announces Coup

   by VOA News

   A Burundian general says he has ousted President Pierre Nkurunziza, who
   is out of the country for a regional summit focused on his country's
   political crisis.

   General Godefroid Niyombare told several private Burundian radio
   stations Wednesday that the president has been dismissed and that he
   will form a committee to restore national harmony and unity.

   ''VOA's Gabe Joselow, who is in the capital, Bujumbura, says there were
   celebrations in the city after the general's announcement; but, he says
   it is not clear whether the general has the full backing of the
   military.

   Joselow says soldiers have surrounded the state broadcast center.  He
   reports there has been gunfire in the city all day as police clash with
   protesters.  Witnesses say protesters were throwing stones, while
   police fired live rounds, tear gas and water cannon.

   The coup attempt follows weeks of tension since Nkurunziza said he will
   run for a third term.  At least 14 people have been killed and more
   than 200 injured in protests since the president's announcement.

   Critics say a third term would be unconstitutional, while the president
   and his supporters insist it is legal because he was chosen by
   lawmakers, not a general election, for his first five-year term in
   2005.  Burundi's constitutional court has ruled in the president's
   favor.

   The five-nation East African Community is holding a summit in Tanzania
   to discuss the situation.  There was no immediate response from
   Nkurunziza or other EAC members about the coup attempt.

   According to the French news agency, General Niyombare is a respected
   figure who was fired from his position as Burundi's intelligence chief
   in February.


   r.

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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/coup-attempt-reported-in-burundi/2765
   675.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/coup-attempt-reported-in-burundi/2765675.html