According to the latest reports the coup ringleader, Major General Godefroid Niyombare, is currently at large. However, his two co-plotters have been arrested by military loyal to President Nkurunziza, including Defence Minister Cyrille Ndayirukiye, Security Minister Gabriel Nizigama.
The Burundi President, Pierre Nkurunziza, has returned to the country and regained control after a failed coup, according to reports.
The attempted coup on May 13 coincided with President Nkurunziza’s meeting with East African heads of state in Tanzania.
According to the latest reports the coup ringleader, Major General Godefroid Niyombare, is currently at large. However, his two co-plotters have been arrested by military loyal to President Nkurunziza, including Defence Minister Cyrille Ndayirukiye, Security Minister Gabriel Nizigama.
Gunfire and explosions could be heard throughout the Burundi capital city Bujumbura as loyalist forces clashed with military staging the coup. However, loyalist troops were quick to capture the Presidential palace and the airport—considered two strategically significant locations in the country.
Upon his return, President Nkurunziza told state-owned radio that the army “showed courage and determination by thwarting the macabre plans” of the plotters. He also reassured the public that national elections would be held as planned in June
The coup attempt was spurred from President Nkurunziza’s announcement that he would seek another term in office. This declaration polarized the country because many believed that it would be the President’s third term, and therefore unconstitutional.