Military coup in Burundi: rivals now fighting for control

Bujumbura, Burundi. Image by Stefan Krasowski / CC BY 2.0

Amid confusion over the success of a coup against the president of Burundi, rival groups of military have started to battle each other in the streets of capital, Bujumbura. Explosions and sporadic gunfire were heard overnight, and fighting continues. Speaking from Tanzania, President Pierre Nkurunziza has appealed for calm and said the coup was in fact foiled. This point is disputed by the coup leaders who insist they remain in charge. Protests over the president’s choice to stand for an unconstitutional third term started peacefully a few weeks ago, but have grown in strength, and recent violence has led to over a dozen people being killed. Read more: bbc.co.uk