Bujumbura, Burundi - A former sports teacher, ex-rebel, born-again Christian and football fanatic, Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza, the subject of a coup attempt Wednesday, has divided the nation over his bid to secure a third term in office.
A top Burundian general announced the overthrow of Nkurunziza, following weeks of violent protests against his re-election bid.
The announcement by General Godefroid Niyombare came just hours after the president left for neighbouring Tanzania for talks with regional leaders on ending the crisis.
Violent clashes between protesters and security forces began last month following the announcement that 51-year-old Nkurunziza, from Burundi's majority Hutu ethnic group, would run in June elections -- something his opponents say is a violation of the constitution and a peace deal that ended Burundi's civil war in 2006.
Over 20 people have been killed and scores wounded since late April, when Burundi's ruling CNDD-FDD party nominated Nkurunziza to stand for re-election in the June 26 polls.
But those who know the former guerrilla fighter, who battled for years in the bush and believes he took the presidency with divine backing, say he is determined to hold onto his seat in the presidential palace.
"Nkurunziza has an instinct for survival, his determination to hold onto power is very high," said Innocent Muhozi, from the press rights group, Observatoire de la Presse du Burundi (OPB(.
A brief statement on Twitter from the presidency on Wednesday, after the coup announcement, said: "The situation is under control, there is no coup in Burundi."
However, with the president out of the country, it remained to be seen whether that tweet was more based on fact or wishful thinking.
AFP
