Fighting flares after Burundi army chief says coup attempt failed

Fighting has broken out in Burundi a day after a senior general announced the overthrow of President Pierre Nkurunziza.

Loyalists of the president and supporters of the general fought intermittently on Thursday as the two sides sought to take control of the state media.

The Burundian army said the attempted coup in the troubled country has failed with forces loyal to President Nkurunziza taking control.

Mr. Nkurunziza was”sacked” for seeking an unconstitutional third term in office, a development that has alarmed neighbouring governments.

Fighting started close to the state headquarters of Burundi’s state broadcasting office, forcing the radio to stop transmission.

The radio station resumed shortly after the shooting died down to let the public know that forces loyal to the president were in charge.

Mr. Nkurunziza’s loyalist had said they controlled vital assets such as the radio, airport and presidential offices in Burundi.

The president had said he would seek another five years in office which led to protests for more than two weeks with many fear dead.

Following the protests, an announcement was made via radio broadcast about a coup by an intelligence chief, Godefroid Niyombareh, was fired by Mr. Nkurunziza in February.

At the point of the announcement, the president was reportedly out of the country, in neighbouring Tanzania for a regional meeting of East African Community.

The EAC meeting was called to discuss the protests in Burundi, which were becoming violent.