Burundi general declares coup against president

(MENAFN- Arab News) BUJUMBURA: A top Burundian general launched a coup attempt against President Pierre Nkurunziza on Wednesday bringing to a head weeks of violent protests against the president's bid to stand for a third term.
General Godefroid Niyombare a powerful former intelligence chief who was sacked earlier in the year announced via a private radio station that the president had been overthrown hours after he left for neighboring Tanzania for talks with regional leaders. The presidency however said in a brief message on Twitter that the coup had 'failed.'
Pro-Nkurunziza troops were still in control of key institutions including the presidential palace and state broadcaster witnesses said and fired warning shots to stop demonstrators from marching on the state television and radio building.
'President Pierre Nkurunziza is removed from office the government is dissolved' General Niyombare said in the dramatic broadcast on the Insaganiro radio station.
'All people are asked to respect the lives and property of others.'
Hundreds of civilians ran through the streets of the capital cheering 'victory' and running with Burundi's flag an AFP photographer said.
The general said he was committed to the democratic process and would work with others toward holding elections in the impoverished landlocked central African nation.