Military Announces Dismissal of Burundi’S President

The military in Burundi has announced the dismissal of President Pierre Nkurunziza and his government with immediate effect, according to Reuters news agency

Soldiers in Burundi have stationed themselves outside the state broadcaster in the centre of the capital, Bujumbura.

Al Jazeera reporting from the capital, said that about 20 soldiers were deployed at the gate of the compound of the broadcaster.

“The road outside has been sealed off and journalists have been told to go inside,” our correspondent reported, adding that state radio and TV were still broadcasting.

Major General Godefroid Niyombare, who was fired by Nkurunziza as intelligence chief in February, reportedly announced the dismissal of the president to reporters at a military barracks. He was surrounded by several other senior officers in the army and police, Reuters reported.

“Regarding President Nkurunziza’s arrogance and defiance of the international community which advised him to respect the constitution and Arusha peace agreement, the committee for the establishment of the national concord decide: President Nkurunziza is dismissed, his government is dismissed too,” he said.

President Nkurunziza is currently in Tanzania. An advisor to the president has dismissed the news as “a joke”, Reuters reported.

At least 19 people have died in Burundi since President Nkurunziza announced his intention to run for a third term in elections due next month, sparking weeks of angry demonstrations.

More to come soon.