Heavy fighting erupts in Burundi’s capital

Heavy fighting has erupted in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, between loyalist troops of President Pierre Nkurunziza largely from the First Military region and pro-coup soldiers. The pro-coup soldiers are led by former intelligence chief Major-General Godefroid Niyombare, who announced Nkurunziza’s ousting yesterday (13 May) while he was in Tanzania attending a regional crisis summit.

The breadth of Major-General Niyombare’s support remains unclear and will be one of the deciding factors in the success of the coup, as forces loyal to the president are reportedly coalescing in the capital. Fighting with heavy weapons is likely to continue in Bujumbura as factions battle for control, including around the airport and media outlets. The coup has significantly increased the risk of civil war and ethnic fighting, which will remain highest in Bujumbura.

Chief of Armed Forces Niyongabo has claimed that loyalist troops are in control of state media, the presidential office, and the presidential palace.

Meanwhile, Niyombare, whose supporters include elite paratroopers according to BBC reports, had ordered the closure of the country’s borders and airport, preventing the return of Nkurunziza, who attempted to fly back from Tanzania after the coup was announced.

President Nkurunziza’s whereabouts are currently unclear. Major-General Niyombare has said that he has support from high-ranking military and police officials and he was accompanied by members of both security services during the coup announcement at the military barracks