Security Council condemns Burundi coup attempt

The United Nations Security Council has denounced a coup attempt in Burundi, demanding an end to the violence in the Southeast African country.

In a Thursday unanimous statement, the council "condemned both those who facilitate violence of any kind against civilians and those who seek to seize power by unlawful means."

The 15-member international body also demanded "the swift return of the rule of law, and the holding of credible elections."

The coup was launched on Wednesday when Major General Godefroid Niyombare, a powerful former intelligence chief, said in a radio address that President Pierre Nkurunziza, who was in Tanzania, had been removed from power.

Nkurunziza had travelled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, to attend a summit aimed at ending the crisis that hit Burundi following his announcement of a presidential bid for a third term, a move his opponents said was unconstitutional.

The incumbent president, however, has rejected claims that he is violating the constitution by seeking to remain in power, arguing that he can still run for president as his rise to power after Burundi’s 12-year civil war in 2005 did not come through direct votes.

Nkurunziza returned to the country Thursday, while the clashes continued between his loyalist troops and the supporters of the coup leader.

"President Pierre Nkurunziza is now in Burundi," his senior communications adviser, Willy Nyamitwe, said, adding, "That's all we can say for now because of security reasons."

Pro-Nkurunziza forces, however, say that they are in control of key locations in the country after an earlier announcement by coup leaders that rebel troops gained control of the capital, Bujumbura.

Burundian Army Chief of Staff Major General Prime Niyongabo also announced on state radio that forces loyal to the president were in control of the presidential office.

Five soldiers are reportedly killed in the Thursday clashes in the capital.

The attempted coup has caused international concern, with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon making an urgent appeal for calm and restraint in Burundi.

UN envoy, Said Djinnit, who briefed the council on Thursday, said it was "still unclear" whether the coup attempt would succeed.

Following the coup announcement, hundreds of people reportedly took to the streets in the capital, shouting “Victory!”

Daily demonstrations erupted in Burundi late April after the president’s controversial bid in upcoming presidential elections in June.

Before the announcement of the coup, clashes between protesters and police left two civilians and a police officer dead, and at least 66 wounded, according to the Burundian Red Cross.

More than 22 people have been killed and scores injured since late April.

Also over 50,000 Burundians have fled the violence to neighboring nations in recent weeks, with the UN preparing for thousands more refugees.

DB/MHB/SS

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