Military Seizes Power in Burundi Following Political Upheaval
On Wednesday, May 13th, a military committee led by Army General Godefroid Niyombara launched a coup against the already volatile Burundi government while promising to restore national harmony. In the past month, Burundi has experienced consistent protests in response to President Nkurunziza’s declaration that he was running for a third term.
General Niyombare was a military commander for the forces of the CNDD-FDD during the civil war and was an ally of President Nkurunziza. Niyombare served as a CNDD-FDD negotiator during in the peace talks which ended the Civil war, and became the first Hutu army chief and served as an ambassador to Kenya under Nkurunziza. Niyombare served as the intelligence chief for for just three months before being fired for disapproving of the President’s decision to run for a third term.
President Nkurunziza took to twitter to declare that the coup failed and a post was made on the Presidents’ facebook page calling the coup fake.
La situation est maitrisée, il n’y a pas de coup d’Etat au #Burundi
— Burundi | Présidence (@BdiPresidence) May 13, 2015
Burundi’s presidential spokesman declares that the loyalists still maintain control. The spokesman, Willy Nyamitwe, indicates that he thinks Nkurunziza is on his way back from Tanzania.
President called for defense and security forces to seek out the individuals who stated that a coup was occurring via the local radio station.The president is currently in Tanzania at the East Africa Community summit. Nkurunziza reportedly attempted to return to Burundi in order to address the country, but after all flights in and out of Burundi were cancelled, unconfirmed reports indicated that Nkurunziza was returning to Tanzania because of an inability to land. Nyombare called for all citizens and security forces to protect the airport and prevent Nkurunziza from returning.
Protestors in the capital, Bujumbura, are celebrating in the streets at this allegedly successful coup d’etat, the rest of the country remains in the dark. Outside of the capital, all civilians have been cut off from the radio since the start of the protests in April. Three people have been killed in Bujumbura. A popular Burundi radio show was able to successfully broadcast a brief message from general Niyombare.
Celebrations still going strong in Bujumbura as a result of coup declaration, while troops supporting Nkurunziza are reportedly still in control of the presidential palace, state broadcaster, and other institutions. Soldiers loyal to Nkurunziza and soldiers supporting the coup are reportedly in negotiations
There have been conflicting statements from opposing sides regarding whether the coup was successful or not. As of 11:30 Eastern time, the results of the coup remain unclear.What the future holds for Burundi is currently unclear.
The East African Community (EAC) has called for a return to order and condemns the coup. It remains to be seen if Nkurunziza return to Burundi, step down, and withdraw from the election? If not, will the military coup continue to rule and uphold elections on time?
