Nkurunziza Returns to Burundi, Coup Leaders Arrested
Three army generals who helped lead the coup in Burundi have been arrested. Nkurunziza claims to have returned to Burundi from Tanzania on Friday, but his current whereabouts are unknown. Niyombare, the leader of the coup was among the three arrested.
Earlier in the day, Niyombare indicated to news sources that those associated with the coup had begun surrendering to forces loyal to Nkurunziza. He stated, “I hope they won’t kill us”. Niyombare then fled but ultimately was found and arrested. Another general said that while the attempted coup had failed, at least it demonstrated that there were forces within the party that opposed Nkurunziza’s unconstitutional decision.
This follows two days of conflicting reports regarding leadership in Burundi and whether or not the coup was successful. While on Wednesday, it appeared that the Coup had been successful, as the week dragged on, the loyalists began fighting back with more strength, ultimately retaking several strategic locations on Thursday, such as the state radio office.
The radio office was instrumental in the coup’s declaration because it allowed them to control the information delivered to Burundians. After radio and media had been shut down for weeks after the capital, the coup leader, Niyombare, had opened up the radio lines. Whether the radio is still live and broadcasting has not yet been determined. The African Public Radio station was no longer functioning after a rocket hit the station.
The President announced his return in a tweet, where he congratulated the loyalists for their patriotism and the Burundians for their patience.
Je suis au #Burundi. Je félicite l’armée et la police pour leur patriotisme. Je félicite surtout les burundais pour leur patience.
— Pierre Nkurunziza (@PierreNkurunziz) May 14, 2015
But in fact, many Burundians haven’t been patient. As a result of the protests and clashes over Nkurunziza’s decision to run for office a third time, approximately 105,000 refugees have fled Burundi.
Many refugees fled out of fear that another civil war would be sparked over this controversy. Nkurunziza’s demand to run for a third term has only caused divisions amongst the Burundians. While the past decade has proven that there could be peace between the Hutu and Tutsi’s, Nkurunziza’s unwillingness to give up his power has caused refugees to fear that ethnic divisions will resurface.
Despite the violence that has resulted from Nkurunziza’s decision, a United States Department of State spokesman announced that the U.S. would continue to recognize Nkurunziza as the legitimate president. This announcement came while the Burundi President was hiding in Tanzania, while those allied with the coup fought those allied with Nkurunziza. The United States prides itself in holding fair, democratic elections, yet still endorses this clear abuse of power?
As the stability in Burundi has deteriorated, there is little hope for complete reconciliation between Nkurunziza and the civilians. The trust that he built over the past decade will have been for nothing, as hopes for democracy have been shattered. If Nkurunziza continues to run for re-election, the violence will increase. The best-case scenario is that Nkurunziza rescinds his bid for re-election, and works alongside the leaders of the coup to re-establish tranquility in Burundi.
President Nkurunziza is expected to address the Nation Friday afternoon/evening.
