Burundian President Returns to Nation Amid Fanfare, Coup Leaders Arrested

On Wednesday, Major General Godefroid Niyombareh announced that the Burundian people had, had enough of Nkurunziza, after he declared that he would run for yet another term in late April.

Over radio, Gen. Niyombare said, “The masses have decided to take into their own hands the destiny of the nation to remedy this unconstitutional environment into which Burundi has been plunged.

“The masses vigorously and tenaciously reject President Nkurunziza’s third-term mandate… President Pierre Nkurunziza has been relieved of his duties. The government is overthrown.”

At the time, Nkurunziza was attending a summit with other East African leaders over the crisis that developed over his presidential announcement, which sparked daily protests and caused more than 105,000 civilians to flee to neighboring countries.

In Nkurunziza’s absence, factions of soldiers fought for control of the city, Bujumbura, as well as the state radio station.

But soldiers loyal to the President reportedly managed to keep the aforementioned radio station, presidential palace, airport, and most of the city secure and intact.

By Friday, President Nkurunziza calmly returned to Burundi, initially visiting his hometown of Nguzi before ending his journey in the capital.

According to a number of reports, Nkurunziza’s arrival was met with his supporters dancing and celebrating in the streets.

Meanwhile, three coup leaders have been detained, including former Defense Minister Cyrille Ndayirukiye, and Gen. Niyombare has reportedly told the AFP news agency that he will surrender.

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